HOT SHOT
Where does Cliff Tucker‘s 3-pointer to beat Georgia Tech on Saturday rank among Maryland buzzer-beaters in the Gary Williams era? Using a degree of difficulty scale (6.0 the toughest), we ranked them.
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Drew Nicholas (2003 vs. UNC-W) » In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Nashville, Nicholas made a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 75-73 win.
Degree of Difficulty » 6.0. With the defending NCAA champions trailing, the shot was do or die for the season. Nicholas made it on the run after rushing the length of the court — and with a defender in his face.
Cliff Tucker (2010 vs. Georgia Tech) » Receiving an inbounds pass with 1.5 seconds left, Tucker had just enough time to catch, stop, pump fake and fade away from 22 feet.
Degree of Difficulty » 5.5. Tucker was closely guarded, didn’t have much time and is not accustomed to taking clutch shots.
LaRon Profit (1997 at Wake Forest) » Keith Booth made a baseline drive and spin move, drawing the defense and kicking to Profit, who released his 3-pointer just before the buzzer for a 54-51 win.
Degree of Difficulty » 4.5. Profit was wide open, squared up and set. Even if he had missed, the game would have gone to overtime.
Joe Smith (1995 at Duke) » Smith capped a spectacular performance (40 points, 18 rebounds) by tipping in a miss by Duane Simpkins at the buzzer to break a 92-92 tie.
Degree of Difficulty » 4.0. Smith had no time to think, just react. The shot was more memorable than difficult as it came at Cameron and happened with Williams in the hospital (pneumonia).
