Sunday’s Round of 32 matchup between the Maryland Terrapins and the Colorado State Rams delivered the most thrilling moment of the NCAA Tournament so far, as Maryland star Derik Queen executed a game-winning layup just as the clock expired. However, this moment sparked controversy regarding the legitimacy of the basket.
With only 3.6 seconds left and trailing by one, Maryland had a final chance to stave off an upset. Queen rose to the occasion, driving left after receiving the inbound pass to successfully drop a floater as the buzzer sounded, securing Maryland’s spot in the Sweet 16.
“OH, MARYLAND. ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A BUZZER-BEATER. WITH LIFE. INTO THE SWEET 16.”
Lisa Biyington with the call for Derik Queen’s buzzer-beater for Maryland to beat Colorado State. pic.twitter.com/7Lzmi19Q6Y
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 24, 2025
In real-time, it appeared Queen executed the play flawlessly. However, upon reviewing the final possession, it seems he may have taken an extra step before making his game-winning shot, prompting fans to argue for a travel call which would negate the bucket.
He walked! Not even close to let go, CSU was cheated
— Golfin’ Goof 🏌️♂️🇺🇸 (@wvu185) March 24, 2025
Definitely travelled
— Jimmy K. (@JimmyKlugs) March 24, 2025
It’s a blatant three step travel
— Keith Fenton (@keithmfenton) March 24, 2025
Interestingly, not everyone perceived the play as a travel. CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore and the studio team, including Charles Barkley, Clark Kellogg, and Kenny Smith, contended that there was no travel violation, supporting the no-call on the play.
Gene Steratore explained to an agreeing Clark Kellogg, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley that Maryland’s Derik Queen was correctly not called for a travel.
We suspect there will be some disagreement. https://t.co/X5ACxzF9f pic.twitter.com/svEQZKeJ4k
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 24, 2025
After the game, John Fanta took to social media to share his views on both the game-winner and the potential travel call. He argued that given the circumstances, officials were unlikely to call a travel on a pivotal moment like that.
“This sums everything up on these platforms,” Fanta stated. “Sitting here watching the tournament, it’s utter madness, Colorado State and Maryland. Some folks are complaining ‘Not enough drama, not enough buzzer beaters. We need something crazy to happen.’ And then Derik Queen hits an incredible shot. Outstanding shot off the glass. And immediately, everybody starts slowing it down, saying ‘Travel, three steps he traveled.’ In your right mind, do you actually think that is going to get called in a game? Where does that ever get called in a game? Child, please, don’t ruin what was a beautiful thing for Maryland. I know it stinks for Colorado State; it’s brutal, it’s heartbreaking. They let them play; it’s not a travel. You’re nitpicking. Basketball has changed. If you’re gonna be that much by the rule book, you’re going to blow the whistle on every play. Get the heck out of here. It’s a clean game-winner. It counts; you’re not calling it in that situation. Enough, enough, enough, enjoy the games.”
Alright, I’ve seen enough. ENOUGH! pic.twitter.com/1nVsaSsYI0
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 24, 2025
Fanta’s argument certainly holds merit; such calls on game-winning attempts are infrequent. Had a travel been called in that moment, many would have expressed frustration with that call, just as there are now with the no-call. Conversely, if we bypass rules in critical moments, we risk players exploiting the leniency and committing fouls freely.
Ultimately, if officials noticed the violation, it should be called. While it can be debated whether they missed the travel in this case, it shouldn’t diminish the remarkable moment for Maryland and Derik Queen, which stands as one of the tournament’s highlights so far.
