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March Madness delivers some of the most electrifying moments in sports. The tournament’s single-elimination format creates high-stakes drama, where one shot can send a team to glory or heartbreak.
In a thrilling Round of 32 matchup on March 23, 2025, Maryland’s freshman center Derik Queen banked in a running, fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, securing a 72-71 victory over Colorado State and propelling the Terrapins into the Sweet 16. This dramatic finish came after Colorado State’s Jalen Lake had sunk a three-pointer with six seconds remaining, briefly giving the Rams the lead. Queen’s decisive shot has since sparked discussions regarding a potential travel violation, adding controversy to his heroic moment.
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Over the years, players have cemented their legacies with unforgettable buzzer beaters that defied the odds. These shots range from deep threes to improbable last-second heaves, each leaving fans in disbelief. Every highlight tells a story of redemption, resilience, or sheer luck.
Whether it’s a Cinderella team shocking the world or a powerhouse program avoiding an upset, buzzer beaters capture the essence of March Madness. Some shots became instant classics, replayed for generations. Others shaped the careers of future NBA stars.
From Lorenzo Charles’ dunk to Jalen Suggs’ half-court miracle, these moments remain etched in tournament history.
Each of these buzzer beaters defines the madness of March. Some changed the course of the tournament, while others became legendary in college basketball lore. Whether it was a Cinderella team shocking the world or a powerhouse proving its dominance, these shots delivered pure, unforgettable magic.
Here are 25 of the best buzzer beaters that made March Madness the greatest spectacle in college basketball.
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The 25 Best Buzzer Beaters In March Madness History was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
Laettner caught Grant Hill’s full-court pass, faked, and hit a turnaround jumper to stun Kentucky in the Elite Eight.
Suggs banked in a running 35-footer in overtime to send Gonzaga to the national title game.
Drew drilled a three off a perfectly executed full-court play, lifting 13-seed Valpo past Ole Miss.
Jenkins sank a deep three at the horn to win the national championship for Villanova.
Jesperson launched a half-court shot that banked in to stun Texas in the first round.
Burke pulled up from way beyond the arc to force overtime, sparking Michigan’s comeback win.
Poole hit a deep three at the buzzer, sending Michigan to the Sweet 16.
Hamilton’s chaotic putback jumper fell through at the horn to push UConn into the Elite Eight.
Ingram drilled a 30-footer to kick off Loyola’s Cinderella Final Four run.
Sorrentine fired a deep three to shock Syracuse and complete the upset.
Reed launched a half-court bomb that stunned Louisville in the second round.
Howard tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer to keep Butler’s magical run alive.
Forrest hit a desperation three to knock out USC in the second round.
Edney sprinted the length of the court and hit a layup to save UCLA’s title hopes.
Thomas drilled a fadeaway jumper to knock out Vanderbilt in the opening round.
Hunter drilled a deep three with two seconds left, completing a stunning 13-seed upset and sending his father, head coach Ron Hunter, tumbling off his stool in celebration.
Mack drained a contested three to help Butler pull off an improbable second-round win.
Waters weaved through defenders and hit a layup to lift LSU past Maryland.
Chiozza raced down the court and nailed a running three to beat the buzzer in overtime.
Smart’s baseline jumper sealed the national championship for Indiana.
Maye hit a clutch jumper with 0.3 seconds left, lifting North Carolina past Kentucky and into the Final Four.
Hunter drilled a clutch three to help Virginia survive in the Final Four.
Jenkins’ championship-winning shot remains one of the most iconic in tournament history.
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