What they said: Colorado State and Maryland break down second round March Madness game

SEATTLE — Sweet 16 is on the line.

No. 12 Colorado State faces No. 4 Maryland in the second round Sunday (5:10 p.m. Mountain on TBS). It's a battle between the Mountain West and the Big Ten.

Here's what Maryland and Colorado State said about the second round matchup.

Colorado State forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson on Maryland's size

"I mean, they got really good bigs, so just knowing the details and what they're really good at. They want to force-feed the bigs, so just on the defensive end rebounding and just containing their bigs. Their guards are really good too. They're a well-coached team, so just containing their bigs."

Colorado State's Niko Medved on Maryland's 'Crab Five' starting group

"I mean, you start right there. Their starting 5 is as good as any in the country. They're really, really connected. They really don't have weaknesses. Obviously Derik Queen, you can see why a lot of people have him as a lottery (pick). He's got unbelievable hands, balance, dexterity, play in tight spaces. Both of their bigs, him and (Julian) Reese, they can pass to each other. Their guards are terrific. They make shots, they're aggressive, they're really connected on the defensive end.

"I mean, I think I looked where they're (No.) 10 in KenPom, they could have won the Big Ten, they're just a terrific team. So it's going to be a challenge, but again, if you're in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament here, that's what it's going to look like. You're playing the best teams in the country and they're here for a reason. Kevin Willard's an exceptional coach and just has his team firing on all cylinders.

"But then we know all that, but like I told our guys, so are we. And I think when you get to that point, it's — your opponent is really, really good, as good as any we've played all year, but we also have to rally behind us playing well, right? And hopefully we can do some things or have to do some things that causes them some problems as well."

Maryland players on Colorado State basketball team

DeShawn Harris-Smith: "Just that they love to share the ball. Everybody on their team is talented. Everybody gets everybody involved. They can run their offense through a lot of guys on their starting five. So, we've got to come out and be ready to guard. Just like any game, come out, bring the right intensity, be locked in, be positive with each other."

Jordan Geronimo: "Yeah, they're a good team that shares the ball really well. They also shoot the ball really well. We just have to defend the three and continue to be physical and being the dominant team that we are."

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