The Moment of Truth for Maryland’s Derik Queen
SEATTLE — When there was no one left to celebrate with him, Derik Queen clapped by himself. He stared into the crowd, inching with excitement. This wasn’t just another moment; it was his moment. After a challenging season filled with missed opportunities, Queen transformed Maryland’s buzzer-beater fate, leading them to a exhilarating 72-71 victory over Colorado State on Sunday night.
Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 246 pounds, the freshman from Baltimore plays basketball with an elegance that is often reminiscent of NBA star Stephen Curry. After hitting the game-winning shot, he flashed a joyful smile that seemed to echo his elation. “That was my first game-winner,” Queen later shared.
The Game Decider: A Last-Minute Play
With only 3.6 seconds on the clock, Maryland trailed 71-70. After receiving an inbounds pass from teammate Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Queen executed a perfect fadeaway jumper that kissed the glass before falling through the hoop just as time expired.
As he posed with clenched fists for the cheering squad behind him, Maryland’s entire team rushed to celebrate a hard-fought win that earned them a spot in the coveted Sweet 16. This advancement marks the Terrapins’ first appearance in this round since 2016.
Defying the Odds
Queen’s journey has been absent of fairy tales; this season, his team had suffered four losses in previous gutsy contests, including two heartbreaking defeats on last-gasp shots. Queen had felt the sting of those losses and was determined to claim victory. During a pivotal timeout, Maryland coach Kevin Willard hesitated but asked, “Who wants the ball?” Queen’s response was immediate and unapologetic: “I want the [expletive] ball.”
Asked later about his decision, Willard admitted, “Once he said that, it was a pretty simple decision.” Queen’s resolve invited confidence back into his teammates, making all the difference as they climbed back from a trailing position.
Looking Ahead
Following this critical victory, the Maryland Terrapins, now a No. 4 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament, are set to face the top-seeded Florida Gators on Thursday in San Francisco. The team hopes to leverage their newfound momentum after such a dramatic win. Queen’s leadership and talent are seen as pivotal as they endeavor to push their luck further into the tournament.
A Message of Hope
“We needed this miracle,” expressed a visibly proud Willard. “This is a moment they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.” And with that, Derik Queen solidified his place in not just Maryland’s basketball lore, but perhaps the wider tapestry of March Madness itself.
