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Officials Under Fire for Controversial Play in Maryland’s NCAA Tournament Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 10:27 PM ET

There was an exciting finish in the men's NCAA Tournament on Sunday when the University of Maryland faced off against Colorado State University.

Guard Jalen Lake hit a 3-pointer with 6.1 seconds left to give Colorado a 71-70 lead. But Derik Queen, a center for Maryland, connected on a bank shot just before the buzzer to give his team a thrilling 72-71 win and send it to the Sweet 16.

However, plenty feel Queen's game-winner shouldn't have counted.

A look at the video of his drive off the dribble that set up the basket appears to show that he took three steps after picking up his dribble, which means he should've been called for a traveling violation.

Was this a travel? pic.twitter.com/b5cOoSaR9R
— BetMGM (@BetMGM) March 24, 2025

Social media users seem to agree that Queen should've been called for steps.

"3 steps," one user said.

"Yeah that's 3 steps," another user said.

"Uhhh you think? He made LBJ look good on that 3 step boogie. How did none of the pundits say a word?" another user said.

"Yeah he traveled... To the Sweet 16!" someone else said.

"Giannis only one that would say no," another fan said, taking a shot at NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Yes," one more user said.

Queen, a freshman who grew up in Baltimore, averaged 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game this season. He scored 17 points and added six rebounds in Sunday's victory.

He could end up being a lottery pick in this June's upcoming NBA draft, should he make him available.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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