In a nail-biting showdown, the Maryland Terrapins edged out the Colorado State Rams with a thrilling 72-71 victory, propelling them into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. The game, held on March 23, 2025, in Seattle, showcased not only Maryland's resilience but also the breakout heroics of freshman Derik Queen, who punctuated the game with a buzzer-beater that capped off a dramatic final sequence.
As the clock ticked down to the last seconds and with Maryland trailing 71-70, Queen made a bold demand for the basketball. "Give me the MF ball," he insisted to head coach Kevin Willard, a sentiment that immediately energized both his teammates and the fans in attendance. Queen, standing at an impressive 6-foot-10, received the pass at the top of the key, drove hard to the left, and faded away from two defenders to launch a shot that kissed the glass and fell through the net just as time expired.
"When Coach drew up the play, he trusted me and my teammates trusted me. I was a little bit nervous, but I was due for one, and I had to, had to make this," said Queen, relishing his moment in the spotlight.
The dramatic finish might not have happened had it not been for a late three-pointer from Colorado State's Jalen Lake, which put the Rams ahead with six seconds left, setting the stage for the Terps’ final, frantic scramble. Just moments before Queen's shot, Lake's clutch performance as he drained a rainbow three from the perimeter left Maryland in a precarious position, reminiscent of the multiple heartbreaks they faced throughout the season where close games slipped away in the dying moments.
Queens' instinctive shot was not just skill but a reflection of the mental fortitude Maryland displayed throughout the contest. Leading for most of the game, the Rams had taken advantage of their height and rebounding ability, evidenced by their early dominance on the boards.
In the first half, Maryland looked shaky, struggling offensively with their guards combining for just nine points on 4-for-18 shooting. The Terrapins found themselves down by as much as 12 points at one point, and went into halftime trailing 37-30. However, the tenacity began to shine through in the second half as the team began to claw their way back into the action.
Rodney Rice ignited the Terps' revival, scoring six consecutive points and revitalizing a staid offense that had gone silent previously. Rice finished with 16 points and his personal drive helped contest Colorado State’s lead effectively. Julian Reese, who had a spectacular night shooting, contributed not only offensively with 15 points but also grabbed crucial rebounds, including some key free throws late in the game. His two free throws with 22 seconds remaining put Maryland in a favorable position at 70-68. "I was excited because this is what I work for," Reese reflected after the game.
Despite the setback, Colorado State managed to remain competitive, buoyed by their leading scorer Nique Clifford, who racked up 21 points and was a constant threat on offense. Their last-ditch efforts kept the pressure on Maryland, but they finally succumbed to Queen’s last-second heroics.
Coach Willard praised his team’s character throughout the season, noting, "For the first time we have time left, it's our time to make our moment happen." His calm demeanor in critical situations has been invaluable, and Queen's final shot was a testament to their preparation and determination.
Maryland will face a formidable challenge next as they head to San Francisco to play the No. 1 seed Florida in the upcoming Sweet 16 matchup. With continued focus and the resilience they displayed in this match, the Terps aim to further their march through this year's tournament, continuously proving that they are indeed a team to watch.
This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Terrapins, as they shed their past disappointments and look forward to new opportunities. As they embrace this success, fans can only hope it will mark the beginning of a deeper run into the tournament.
