Queen’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Maryland to Sweet Sixteen in Thrilling Upset

The roar inside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle was deafening, a cacophony of elation and disbelief echoing off the rafters. Time seemed to stand still as the final seconds ticked away, the tension palpable enough to cut with a knife. With a mere 2.9 seconds remaining on the clock and the Maryland Terrapins trailing No. 12 Colorado State by a single point, freshman phenom Derik Queen etched his name into Maryland basketball lore.

Queen, a name that will now forever be synonymous with March Madness heroics in College Park, secured the inbounds pass, turned towards the basket, and, under immense pressure, released a shot that defied gravity and expectations. The ball, kissed with fate and perhaps a touch of his shoulder, arced through the air, a silent prayer carried on the breath of every Terrapins fan in attendance. As the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of regulation, the orange sphere nestled perfectly into the net, sending the Maryland bench and the entire arena into a frenzy.

The scoreboard flashed the final result: Maryland 75, Colorado State 74. The Terrapins, a team that had faced adversity and doubters throughout the season, were headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2016, thanks to a moment of brilliance from their young star.

The improbable victory was a culmination of grit, determination, and unwavering belief. Throughout the game, Maryland had battled tooth and nail against a formidable Colorado State squad, known for their disciplined offense and suffocating defense. The Rams, led by the sharpshooting Nique Clifford, had threatened to pull away on several occasions, but the Terrapins refused to buckle, answering every run with one of their own.

The back-and-forth affair saw numerous lead changes, with neither team able to establish a comfortable advantage. Maryland relied heavily on the scoring prowess of their veteran guards, who consistently found ways to penetrate the Rams’ defense and create opportunities for themselves and their teammates. The Terrapins’ frontcourt also played a crucial role, battling for rebounds and providing crucial defensive stops.

Colorado State, however, proved to be a resilient opponent. Clifford, in particular, was a thorn in Maryland’s side, consistently knocking down clutch shots and orchestrating the Rams’ offense with precision. His go-ahead three-pointer in the waning seconds of the game seemed to have sealed the victory for Colorado State, silencing the Maryland faithful and sending a wave of despair through the Terrapins’ bench.

But Derik Queen, unfazed by the pressure and the magnitude of the moment, had other plans. With ice in his veins and a burning desire to win, the freshman stepped up and delivered the shot of a lifetime.

The post-game celebration was a scene of unadulterated joy. Players embraced, coaches exchanged relieved smiles, and fans chanted Queen’s name with unrestrained enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the power of March Madness and the thrill of a last-second victory.

"I can’t even describe the feeling," Queen said, his voice hoarse from shouting and excitement. "It’s a dream come true. I just wanted to make the shot for my teammates, for my coaches, and for the fans. This is what we work for."

Maryland head coach Kevin Willard, visibly emotional, praised his team’s resilience and the clutch performance of his freshman star. "This team has been through so much this year," Willard said. "They’ve faced adversity, they’ve overcome challenges, and they’ve never stopped believing in themselves. Derik is a special player, and he has a bright future ahead of him. But this win is about the entire team. They played with heart, they played with passion, and they earned this victory."

The journey to the Sweet Sixteen has been a long and arduous one for the Terrapins. After a disappointing regular season, many had written them off, questioning their ability to compete against the nation’s elite. But Maryland refused to be defined by their struggles. They rallied together, found their rhythm, and embraced the underdog role.

Now, as they prepare for their Sweet Sixteen matchup, the Terrapins are playing with a newfound confidence and swagger. They have proven that they can compete with anyone, and they are determined to make the most of their opportunity.

The memory of Queen’s buzzer-beater will undoubtedly fuel their fire as they continue their quest for a national championship. It’s a moment that will be replayed countless times, a reminder that anything is possible in March Madness, and that sometimes, the greatest heroes are the ones you least expect. The shot itself wasn’t perfect, some even calling it a lucky shot off the shoulder, but ultimately the result is what matters. It was a shot that encapsulates the magic and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. One moment you’re down, staring at defeat, and the next you’re celebrating a Sweet Sixteen berth.

The Terrapins now enter the next round with momentum and a renewed sense of belief. They know they have the talent and the heart to make a deep run in the tournament, and they are eager to see how far they can go. Regardless of what happens next, Derik Queen’s shot has secured its place in Maryland basketball history, a defining moment that will be cherished by fans for generations to come. He has transformed from a promising freshman into a legend in the making, and the Terrapins’ faithful can only dream of what he might accomplish in the years to come.