Maryland vs. West Virginia: Score and Twitter Reaction from March Madness 2015

Melo Trimble did his best to keep Maryland in it, but West Virginia's combination of scoring balance and defense allowed the Mountaineers to advance to the Sweet 16 with a 69-59 victory in Sunday's third-round NCAA tournament action.

Four West Virginia players scored in double figures. Forward Devin Williams led the way in posting a double-double for the Mountaineers with 16 points and 10 boards, while guard Gary Browne produced 14 to go with five steals.

The game was close to start, as West Virginia took a 35-34 lead into halftime. A unique combination of quick pace and grit allowed the Mountaineers to get to the Midwest region semifinals, where they will face Kentucky.

ESPN Stats & Info highlighted the winners' defensive prowess:

Dave Zirin of The Nation alluded to how West Virginia earned respect after being counted out by many to be upset by Buffalo in the round of 64:

Reserve guard Jevon Carter nailed a clutch three-pointer late in the game when Maryland was making an inspiring comeback effort sans Trimble, who left due to injury.

Michael Carvelli of Scout.com referenced how unlikely the shot was:

The whole Mountaineers squad appeared to play with a collective chip on its shoulder—and such a mindset didn't come without considerable controversy.

Against an extremely physical defense, Trimble scored a team-high 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting and had seven rebounds. However, he paid a dear cost in the process.

The following reaction posted by The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg reflected the Mountaineers' Morgantown-based mentality:

A controversial moving screen early in the second half by West Virginia forward Nathan Adrian went without a whistle, yet it left Trimble crumbled on the floor in Columbus, Ohio.

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre  took issue with the non-call:

Although Trimble stayed in the game for a time, he was eventually forced to the sidelines for good about midway through the second half from a head injury as a result of friendly fire:

Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio observed just how much of a toll the development took on the talented Trimble:

Prior to the game, West Virginia forward Jonathan Holton—who had 12 points in Sunday's game—described how his side's full-court press can frustrate opponents, which proved to be the case versus Maryland.

"That press has kind of made us who were are today," said Holton, per The Baltimore Sun's Don Markus. "You can tell when a team is frustrated. Players stay away from the ball."

Whether you agree with their tactics or not, head coach Bob Huggins' Mountaineers forced Maryland's freshman phenom off his game, which a big reason why they moved on from the third round.

Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel observed how Trimble's absence impacted the rest of the Terrapins:

TNT's David Aldridge praised Maryland for the tough call it had to make—even if it ultimately meant the end of its March Madness run:

Former Michigan NCAA tourney star and Grantland analyst Jalen Rose lauded the Mountaineers' efforts:

ESPN's Andy Katz was already looking forward to what lies ahead for the victors:

West Virginia does have decent balance and plays strong defense. However, it can't get into a sprinting contest with Kentucky in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats are too deep for the Mountaineers to successfully run for the majority of the game.

With the plethora of go-to scoring options Kentucky has on its loaded roster, it should be able to continue on. Trimble was permitted to get his against the Mountaineers, but West Virginia will have to account for so many more players in its next contest.

As tough and formidable as West Virginia appears to be, it isn't anything the undefeated Wildcats won't be able to handle.