SEATTLE (AP) — In a heart-pounding finish to their NCAA Tournament matchup, Maryland managed to scrape by Colorado State with a nail-biting 72-71 victory, thanks to the heroics of rookie Derik Queen.

With just 3.6 seconds on the clock and Maryland trailing by a single point, coach Kevin Willard opened the floor to his players, allowing each one to declare their desire for the game-winning shot. Queen, a towering 6-foot-10 freshman from Baltimore, stepped up, confidently demanding the ball and punctuating his request with enthusiasm.

When the game resumed, Queen received the ball at the top of the key and executed a beautiful fadeaway jumper, arcing it off the glass as the buzzer echoed throughout the arena. The shot not only clinched the game for Maryland but also marked their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2016.

“Coach believed in me, and my teammates did too,” revealed Queen, who confronted his nerves head-on. “I had to step up, and I felt it was my moment to shine.

The game was tightly contested from the outset, with the Terps facing a 12-point deficit at one stage in the first half. Yet, they demonstrated resilience, gradually clawing their way back into contention. This season has been a rollercoaster for Maryland, as they faced the disappointment of four previous losses in nail-biting finishes.

In the final moments of the game, as the clock ticked down, Jalen Lake of Colorado State unleashed a clutch 3-pointer, pulling the Rams ahead at 71-70. But Maryland wasn’t done yet; they regained possession, setting the stage for Queen’s triumphant shot. Reflecting on the intensity of the moment, Queen commented, “In the huddle, I told the guys, ‘This is our time to make our moment happen.’”

Colorado State coach Niko Medved acknowledged the tough break for his team. “I thought we defended that last play pretty well. But sometimes in March Madness, you find yourself on one side of a thrilling finish, and that was our unfortunate fate today.”

Maryland's standout performances included Queen's 17 points, alongside 16 from Rodney Rice and a double-double from Julian Reese, who notched 15 points and 11 rebounds. In contrast, the Rams were fueled by Nique Clifford’s impressive 21 points, showcasing their valiant efforts.

Maryland’s victory allowed them to advance to face the number one seed in the West Region, Florida, in the next round, creating an intriguing matchup fans won't want to miss. Fans are eager to see if Maryland can continue their momentum and turn this year's tournament into a memorable run.

In an extra historical note, Reese celebrated a personal milestone during this game, achieving his 1,000th career rebound. He joins only one other Terp legend, Len Elmore, in reaching this significant milestone.

As the tournament continues, this nail-biter is sure to be remembered as one of March Madness's notable highlights, reminding us once again that anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament. Will Queen’s newfound fame continue, or will the pressures of the next round prove daunting? Stay tuned!