In a nail-biting conclusion to the Big Ten Tournament semifinal, Maryland men's basketball narrowly missed out on their first-ever championship game appearance. Derik Queen shone brightly, scoring 31 points and making every free throw he attempted. However, Michigan’s late-game heroics by Tre Donaldson sealed an 81-80 victory. The game saw dramatic shifts in momentum, showcasing both teams' strengths and weaknesses.

The contest was marked by Maryland's early struggles against Michigan's size advantage and Goldin's resurgence after a slow start. Despite this, Queen led a crucial second-half rally that nearly turned the tide in Maryland's favor. Ultimately, turnovers and Michigan's rebounding dominance contributed to Maryland's defeat, leaving them to await their NCAA Tournament fate.

Queen's Stellar Performance Propels Maryland

Derik Queen emerged as the standout player of the match, delivering one of the most impressive performances of his young career. With a season-high 31 points, he demonstrated exceptional versatility and composure under pressure. His ability to convert all nine free throws highlighted his reliability in critical moments, keeping Maryland competitive throughout the game.

Queen's impact extended beyond scoring, as he showcased a diverse range of skills that left defenders struggling to keep up. In the first half, he took charge when Maryland needed a spark, contributing nine points within the opening minutes, including a rare three-pointer. As the game progressed, his leadership became increasingly vital. During Maryland's pivotal 12-0 run in the second half, Queen combined power moves with finesse, hitting another three-pointer and asserting himself inside. His layup to regain the lead exemplified his knack for timely plays, making him indispensable for the Terps.

Momentum Swings Define a Hard-Fought Battle

The match unfolded through alternating bursts of energy from both teams, creating an intense back-and-forth affair. Michigan capitalized on their physical presence, particularly through Vlad Goldin, who transformed a quiet start into a dominant finish with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Maryland faced challenges adjusting to Michigan's defensive intensity and offensive rebounding prowess.

Early in the game, Maryland struggled to find rhythm, allowing Michigan to seize control with a decisive 9-0 run. This stretch underscored Maryland's difficulties converting from beyond the arc while Michigan's Nimari Burnett found success attacking the basket. Although Maryland briefly clawed back, they entered halftime trailing due to poor shooting efficiency. The second half witnessed further fluctuations, as Goldin's explosive start extended Michigan's lead significantly. Yet Maryland's resilience surfaced through a crucial run spearheaded by Queen, narrowing the gap dramatically. Unfortunately, key late-game plays favored Michigan, emphasizing how small margins decided the outcome. Turnovers and Michigan's superior second-chance opportunities ultimately proved costly for Maryland, setting the stage for Sunday's championship showdown without them.