In a stunning turnaround, Maryland's Derik Queen delivered an unforgettable moment in NCAA tournament history, hitting a buzzer-beating bank shot to lift the No. 4 Terrapins over the No. 12 Colorado State Rams with a score of 72-71 in a thrilling second-round matchup on March 23, 2025. Queen’s game-winning basket, which came after a last-minute 3-pointer from Rams guard Jalen Lake had briefly put Colorado State in the lead, not only showcased his skill but also triggered a significant officiating debate over a potential traveling violation that some claim should have nullified the shot.
The high-stakes game unfolded under the cacophonous atmosphere of the Climate Pledge Arena, where fans were on the edge of their seats, witnessing 15 lead changes throughout the evening. After Lake's timely 3-pointer lifted Colorado State to a 71-70 lead with just six seconds remaining, the Terrapins called a crucial timeout with only 3.7 seconds on the clock. Maryland coach Kevin Willard asked his players who wanted the final shot, and it was Queen, who fervently declared, "I want the MF ball!" This confidence set the stage for a moment that many will remember as a defining play of March Madness.
In the huddle, Willard saw Queen's determination and, once he received the inbounds pass, the freshman used a series of efficient dribbles to navigate through defenders before launching into a fadeaway shot from near the left side of the lane. The ball sailed high, kissed the glass, and found its way through the net just as time expired, sealing Maryland's victory and propelling them to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016.
Queen, who finished the game with a team-high 17 points and contributed six rebounds and two blocks, had previously experienced a mix of highs and lows in the tournament leading up to this moment. His scoring witnessed a flicker of brilliance despite Maryland's struggles in the first half, where they fell behind by as many as 12 points. As tensions rose, Queen admitted post-game, "I was a little bit nervous, but I knew we was due for one and I had to—had to—make this." His game-winner made him only the fourth freshman to hit a buzzer-beater in NCAA tournament history since the field expanded in 1985.
However, the excitement was tinged with controversy. While many in the stadium celebrated Queen’s degree of skill, some pointed to his footwork prior to the shot, questioning whether he traveled. Notably, former NCAA referee Gene Steratore explained in a postgame analysis that while his call was deemed a no-travel, the definition in college basketball regarding the end of a dribble can be complex. "By rule, the dribble doesn't end until there's firm possession with one hand locked or, more times than not, with two hands. At that point, when he brings it back up, we don't know if that’s fully possessed," he commented, supporting the referees' decision to allow play to continue after a close analysis of the slow-motion replay.
Had a traveling violation been called, it would have resulted in Colorado State obtaining possession and likely led to their own triumph with a final score of 71-70. Willard acknowledged not only the importance of Queen's moment but also the character displayed by his Terps. "These guys have shown such character in how they've bounced back from past games where they lost in tight spots. I said, 'Guys, for the first time, we have time left. It's our time to kind of make our moment happen.'" This determination eventually manifested when Queen took over in the final moments.
Maryland's victory marks a critical milestone; they now advance to face the top-seeded Florida on March 27 in the Sweet 16. Coach Willard reflected on the team’s growth and Queen’s intrinsic ability to inspire confidence: "He just has such a great energy about him that when you're around him, you're going to smile and you're going to laugh and you're going to hug him. His teammates feed off that positivity!" The win over Colorado State serves not only as a critical victory for the team but also a testament to the spirit of March Madness, where every moment can shift the pendulum of fate dramatically.
In this remarkable game, senior forward Julian Reese contributed significantly with 15 points and 11 rebounds, asserting leadership alongside Queen during critical stretches. The Terrapins played dynamically, overcoming a nine-point deficit early in the second half with a balanced attack that saw all five starters finishing in double digits scoring. The chemistry among Willard's players has continued to shine after overcoming a tough regular season marked by close losses due to buzzer-beaters.
Moving forward, Maryland continues to gain momentum as they head into a challenging matchup against Florida, which poses another test of their mettle. This moment of triumph reinforces the potential for greatness within the Terrapins and further establishes Derik Queen not only as a standout athlete but potentially as a future contender in the NBA draft.
