The Maryland Terrapins secured victory against Colorado State Rams with their 72-71 final score while freshman center Derik Queen hit a buzzer-beating shot. Social media users intensively examine the legitimacy of Queen's game-winning move since some fans and analysts suspect a traveling rule violation before his attempt.
The controversy emerges from the movements Queen made during the critical final play. The slow-motion footage indicates the player possibly moved past any needed bounds before his final shot against the window. CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore evaluated the situation by pointing out that the traveling determination depends on when Queen obtained possession according to him. The move becomes a travel only when Queen regains possession after his pivot foot has lifted yet becomes legal if he establishes control of the ball before this action. Steratore stated that real-time officiating makes such "bang-bang" situations difficult to determine properly in games.
After the game ended Niko Medved the Colorado State head coach brought up the missed call incident during his post-match statement. The coach replied to this query by stating both possibilities exist regarding the travel rule. Regardless of the validity of such a play referees elected not to signal a foul. Queen performed a remarkably challenging shot which proved to be the deciding factor despite his team making one additional play than Colorado State.
The issue generated conversations throughout the entire fan base as well as within the analysis community. The game's unpredictability includes optional officiating errors but some people advocate for additional inspections of critical moments to guarantee fairness.