Derik Queen’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Maryland Terrapins to Sweet 16
The Maryland Terrapins are dancing their way to the Sweet 16, propelled by a moment of pure March Madness magic courtesy of Derik Queen. In a thrilling second-round matchup against the Colorado State Rams on Sunday night, Queen etched his name into college basketball lore with a buzzer-beating shot that secured a heart-stopping 72-71 victory.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the clock ticked down in the final seconds. Maryland, trailing by a single point, had possession and the weight of their season resting on their shoulders. With just under four seconds remaining, the inbound pass found Queen, a player who would soon become a Maryland legend.
Queen, demonstrating remarkable composure under immense pressure, immediately turned to his right, initiating a drive towards the basket. The Colorado State defense, acutely aware of the stakes, swarmed him, providing suffocating coverage. As he navigated towards his left, Queen found himself forced into a difficult position, his path to the basket seemingly blocked.
With time rapidly expiring, Queen, displaying remarkable skill and intuition, launched an off-balance shot. The degree of difficulty was immense, requiring not only perfect aim but also a delicate touch off the backboard to guide the ball into the hoop.
In a moment that seemed to stretch into an eternity, the ball arced through the air, its trajectory carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire team and fanbase. As it kissed the glass, a collective gasp swept through the arena. The touch was indeed perfection, and the ball nestled into the net just as the buzzer sounded, sending the Maryland faithful into a frenzy.
The eruption of jubilation was instantaneous. Maryland players, coaches, and fans stormed the court, caught in a wave of pure elation. At the center of it all stood Queen, the hero of the hour, basking in the adulation of the crowd. The Terrapins had secured their spot in the Sweet 16 in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Queen’s game-winning shot will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come, forever cementing his place in Maryland basketball history. However, his contribution extended beyond that single moment of brilliance. He finished the game with a team-high 17 points, along with six rebounds and one assist, showcasing his all-around impact on the court.
The victory was particularly sweet for Maryland, considering the resilience they had to display throughout the game. Colorado State, a team known for their never-say-die attitude, had built a solid seven-point lead by halftime. The Rams, fresh off a comeback victory against Memphis in the first round, were determined to maintain their advantage.
Maryland, however, emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and determination. They chipped away at the deficit, gradually clawing their way back into the game. The Rams, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the Terrapins’ offensive surge.
The final moments of the game were a nail-biting affair. With just six seconds remaining, Colorado State’s Jalen Lake delivered a clutch three-pointer, giving his team a narrow one-point lead. Lake’s performance, which included 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, had seemingly put the Rams in position to advance.
But Maryland, refusing to surrender, executed their final play with precision. The ball found its way into the hands of Queen, who, with ice water flowing through his veins, seized the moment and delivered the game-winning shot.
Maryland’s journey to the Sweet 16 will now continue with a formidable challenge. They are set to face the top-seeded Florida Gators, who themselves are coming off a thrilling victory against the UConn Huskies, the reigning back-to-back national champions.
Looking at the game beyond Queen’s heroics, it’s clear that Maryland’s victory was a team effort. All five starters reached double figures in scoring, demonstrating the depth and balance of the Terrapins’ roster. Rodney Rice contributed 16 points, while Julian Reese, the brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, added 15 points.
For Colorado State, Nique Clifford led the way with 21 points, though he struggled with his shooting efficiency, connecting on just 7 of 17 attempts from the field. The Rams’ valiant effort ultimately fell short, but their performance throughout the season and in the tournament earned them respect and admiration.
The Maryland Terrapins’ Sweet 16 berth is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in each other. And, of course, the magic of March Madness. Derik Queen’s buzzer-beater will forever be etched in the annals of college basketball history, a symbol of the excitement, drama, and unpredictability that make the NCAA Tournament so captivating. As they move on to face the Florida Gators, the Terrapins will carry the momentum of this thrilling victory and the confidence that comes with knowing they can overcome any challenge. They are a team to watch, a team capable of making a deep run in this year’s tournament.
