SEATTLE – In a thrilling finish that left fans on the edge of their seats, the 4th-seeded Maryland Terrapins defeated the 12th-seeded Colorado State Rams 72-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The game culminated in a buzzer-beating jumper from Derik Queen, marking a historic moment for both the player and the program.
Queen's game-winning shot, a fadeaway jumper banked off the glass, came with just 3.6 seconds remaining, following a timeout called by Maryland head coach Kevin Willard. After Colorado State's Jalen Lake had sunk a go-ahead three-pointer to give the Rams a 71-70 lead, excitement and tension filled the air. Queen's shot sealed the deal and pushed Maryland into the Sweet 16 for the 15th time in their history – a significant milestone as the team strives to reclaim their glory.
The game was a back-and-forth battle with Colorado State initially holding a strong lead. The Rams started off with a 12-point advantage at one point in the first half, maintaining momentum into halftime with a score of 37-30. Maryland then began the second half with a determined mindset, eventually breaking into a 9-0 run late in the game that momentarily shifted the tides.
With the score tied at 68-68 late in the game, Julian Reese's clutch free throws gave Maryland a brief 70-68 lead with just 22 seconds to go. But Lake struck back, hitting a three-pointer to send Colorado State ahead again, only to have Queen respond with his dramatic shot as time expired, making it a moment of pure March Madness.
"I think we were finally due for us to have one," Willard said during the post-game interview, referring to Maryland's heart-wrenching losses in previous games against buzzer-beaters. "When Lake shot that shot, I was like, man that's going in. I'm like, we were due to get one," he added, expressing relief and jubilation after the nail-biting finish.
Queen, who led Maryland in scoring with 17 points, capped this thrilling encounter with a performance that displayed both skill and poise. A Baltimore native, he expressed pride in his victory, stating, "First, I just want to put on for Baltimore. A lot of people don’t really make it out of Baltimore... I just wanted to come here and make a change." His determination shines through not only in his game-winning moments but also in his season-long contributions, as he has been an integral part of Maryland's success this year.
This latest victory has improved Maryland's record to 27-8, the most wins in a season since they last reached the Sweet 16 in 2016. The upcoming matchup against the No. 1 seed Florida on March 27 will be a challenging test for the Terps, but with their current momentum, they seem poised for an impressive run.
You could sense the energy throughout the game, as every member of Maryland’s starting lineup, affectionately dubbed “The Crab Five,” scored in double digits. Alongside Queen, Rodney Rice scored 16 points, and Julian Reese added 15 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 37th career double-double. This impressive performance further solidifies his legacy within the program.
Meanwhile, Colorado State's season ended in bittersweet fashion. The Rams, who had come into this game with an impressive 11-game winning streak, fought hard but ultimately fell short. Nique Clifford led Colorado State with 21 points, but their efforts to maintain control slipped away in the dying moments of the game.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Willard remarked on the commendable character displayed by his players, particularly in how they were able to bounce back after trailing by double digits. Maryland’s ability to overcome adversity throughout the game showcases their resilience and teamwork – qualities necessary for success in the high-stakes world of NCAA basketball.
As the Terrapins prepare for their next challenge, all eyes will be on this remarkable freshman, Derik Queen, whose game-winner has already earned him a place in Maryland basketball history. This victory not only propels them forward in the tournament but also symbolizes a hopeful return to their form from past glory days.
At the conclusion of this thrilling second-round matchup, fans across the nation are left asking one question: how far will these Terrapins go? With determination and skill, the Sweet 16 awaits.
