Seattle, Washington – Derik Queen’s last-second heroics lifted the Maryland Terrapins to a thrilling 72-71 victory against Colorado State, propelling the team to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. With only 3.6 seconds left on the clock and his team trailing by one, the 6-foot-10 freshman demanded the ball, showcasing his confidence and determination.
Coach Kevin Willard trusted Queen’s desire to take the final shot, and it paid off as Queen banked in a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, securing the win for Maryland. Despite facing a 71-70 deficit after a three-pointer from Colorado State’s Jalen Lake, Queen stepped up when it mattered most, showcasing his clutch gene and sealing the victory for the Terps.
The Rams, seeded 12th, were vying for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1969, but Queen’s last-second heroics dashed their hopes. Maryland, known as the “Crab Five” for their five double-digit scoring starters, showed resilience throughout the game, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the first half to emerge victorious.
Willard, in his third year as Maryland’s head coach, led the team to the Sweet 16 for the first time in his tenure. Queen, along with Rodney Rice and Julian Reese, played pivotal roles in the victory, with Reese’s milestone of reaching 1,000 career rebounds adding to the team’s accomplishments.
The win not only showcased Maryland’s grit and determination but also highlighted the unpredictability of March Madness, as underdog stories often unfold when least expected. As Maryland gears up to face top-seeded Florida in the next round, Queen’s game-winning shot remains etched in NCAA Tournament history, solidifying his place as a clutch performer under pressure.