Will Richard scored 15 points, Alijah Martin added 14 points and seven rebounds, and top-seeded Florida played a steady second half to run away from No. 4 seed Maryland and into the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final with an 87-71 win.

Florida’s trio of standout seniors, backed by a deep bench, proved too much for Maryland’s "Crab Five" to handle.

One of Florida basketball's starting players exited the first half of the Gators' Sweet 16 game vs. Maryland. Here's what we know

Florida had just a two-point lead at halftime, mostly the result of self-inflicted wounds (13 turnovers). But the Gators looked much more like the hottest team in basketball — they’ve won nine straight, including three in the SEC tournament — after the break, outscoring Maryland 47-33 in the second half.

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Will Richard led a balanced offensive attack for UF with 15 points, one of six players in double figures. Alijah Martin added 14 points and six rebounds, while Thomas Haugh had 13 points and nine rebounds and Denzel Aberdeen scored 12 points.. Overall, UF outscored Maryland 29-3 in bench points,

After trailing by 10 with 6:18 left, No. 1 seed Florida pulled off a stunning comeback 84-79 win over No. 3 seed Texas Tech to advance to the Final Four. Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 59 seconds left,

Madness continues on Thursday with four Sweet 16 games, including No. 1 seed Duke and Cooper Flagg facing No. 4 Arizona.