NEWARK, N.J. — Derik Queen sealed a thrilling comeback for the Maryland Terrapins by sinking two crucial free throws with just 19 seconds remaining, leading to a 76-75 victory over Villanova in the Saatva Empire Classic on Sunday afternoon.
In the second half, Maryland excelled, shooting 17 of 29 from the field and making 4 of 9 attempts from three-point range, which played a vital role in their recovery from a 12-point deficit at halftime. The Terrapins found themselves trailing 40-28 as the teams headed into the locker rooms, primarily due to Eric Dixon’s impressive performance, as he scored 22 points in the first half, including four 3-pointers.
Maryland started to close the gap early in the second half when Queen executed a powerful dunk to narrow the score. Following that, both Rodney Rice and Malachi Palmer hit three-pointers, bringing Maryland to within two points at 52-50 with just under 12 minutes remaining. The momentum continued to build as Ja’Kobi Gillespie converted two free throws at the 9:46 mark to even the score at 55-55. Queen then scored a layup, followed by a jumper, putting Maryland ahead 59-55 with eight minutes left in the game.
Despite a strong effort from Villanova, where Dixon completed a three-point play and added a jumper to briefly regain the lead at 62-59, Queen responded effectively with a free throw and followed it with another basket to bring Maryland back in front at 63-62. Villanova’s Jordan Longino countered with a basket and two free throws to regain the lead at 66-63. Julian Reese then hit the first of two free throws, allowing Maryland to tie the game at 70-70 with 2:28 left, before Rice put them ahead 72-70 with two free throws at the 1:53 mark.
The lead changed hands multiple times in the final moments, with Dixon hitting a three-pointer to give Villanova a one-point edge. However, Queen answered back with a quick basket to regain the lead for Maryland. After Dixon managed a layup for the Wildcats’ last lead with just 28 seconds remaining, Queen’s two free throws put the Terrapins ahead 76-75.
With 4 seconds remaining, Tyler Perkins’ missed 3-point attempt gave Villanova one last chance as they secured the offensive rebound. Dixon managed to find space for a corner three-pointer at the buzzer, but his shot clanked off the back of the rim, ensuring Maryland’s victory.
Queen finished the game with impressive stats of 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, leading Maryland to a (5-1) record. Julian Reese also had a notable performance, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Rice added 16 points and Gillespie scored 12 with three assists.
Dixon’s standout performance for Villanova (3-4) included a career-high 38 points, with 15 of 29 shooting from the field and 5 of 11 from beyond the arc. Jhamir Brickus chipped in with 11 points.