Maryland's March Madness hopes rest with the 'Crab Five'
The cuteness of the "Crab Five" nickname belies the resiliency of Maryland's starters.
The five all average double figures and they have started every game since Nov. 19, avoiding injuries while building cohesiveness.
So there's reason to expect more of the same when the fourth-seeded Terrapins (25-8) play No. 13 Grand Canyon (26-7) in their NCAA Tournament opener on Friday.
Seattle also hosts fifth-seeded Memphis' game against No. 12 seed Colorado State in the West Region. The region's other Friday games are in Raleigh, North Carolina, with top-seeded Florida playing No. 16 Norfolk State and No. 8 UConn facing No. 9 Arizona.
The Crab Five moniker harkens back to the Fab Five at Michigan from over three decades ago but with a twist to honor Maryland's favorite food.
Seven times this season, every member of Maryland's starting group was in the double figures, tied for best in the nation with Arkansas. In a victory at Nebraska on Feb. 13, the starters scored all the points in a 83-75 win.
Maryland earned an at-large bid to the tournament after falling 81-80 to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament championship. They're led by Derik Queen, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, who is averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds.
"We're all really good players but also unselfish and like to see each other playing well and succeeding," said Ja'Kobi Gillespie, who is averaging 14.7 points.
Grand Canyon beat Utah Valley to win the WAC tournament title and earn the automatic berth. It is the Lopes' third straight year in the tournament. They beat St. Mary's in the opening round last year before falling to Alabama in the round of 32.
"It was a big moment for not only our team but just the school as well. Being able to get that done was a big accomplishment. We were all proud of it," said senior guard Ray Harrison. "But this year we're looking to do more."
