On February 26, 2025, the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans pulled off a jaw-dropping triumph against the No. 16 Maryland Terrapins, winning 58-55 with a last-second half-court buzzer-beater from Tre Holloman. This thrilling victory unfolded at the Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland, where both teams were engaged in a fiercely contested battle.
The game seemed destined for overtime as Maryland had surged back from being down nine points, tying it at 55 with just seconds remaining. Michigan State's coach, Tom Izzo, refused to credit the last shot solely to luck. "We deserved to win this game," he stated confidently post-game. "To come here and win, I'm so proud of my guys." His words echoed the sentiment of the Michigan State faithful who witnessed what could be considered one of the most memorable moments of the season.
Leading up to Holloman's heroics, the game had been rife with tension. With under one minute left, Holloman had turned the ball over, which led to Ja'Kobi Gillespie hitting two free throws to equalize. Michigan State faced immense pressure, and the crowd grew wild as the clock ticked down. The Spartans managed this intense situation remarkably, showcasing their depth and defensive strategy. Jase Richardson stepped up during tense moments, ending the game with 15 points, solidifying his role as one of the key contributors to the Spartan's success.
Michigan State's performance was marked by significant challenges. The team struggled early on, not making any three-pointers and shooting under 35% from the floor. They recorded 23 turnovers throughout the match, marking it as one of their less polished performances. Nevertheless, their steadfast defense limited Maryland to only 55 points - the Terrapins' lowest scoring output of the season, far below their average.
The sequence leading to Holloman's triumphant moment began with Jaxon Kohler snagging the rebound from Gillespie's missed three-pointer. Time was of the essence. Kohler passed the ball quickly to Holloman, who barely had time to think. Under immense pressure, he launched the ball from beyond half-court, and as the buzzer sounded, it swished through the net. The explosion of joy from the Spartans' bench erupted immediately as they mobbed Holloman, whose last-second shot would become etched in college basketball lore.
Despite the game's chaotic scenes, the memorable finish was somewhat individualistic. Holloman himself remarked on his shot, stating: "I saw the rim and then the shot clock going down. So I had to throw it up, man. We had practiced those, so I just got up and it went in." His acknowledgement of practice emphasizes the team's focus and preparedness even amid adversity.
The win secured Michigan State not just a dramatic last-second victory but also reinforced their position atop the Big Ten standings, improving them to 23-5 overall and 14-3 within the conference. This latest victory is significant as it places them firmly on course for the NCAA tournament, boasting nine key victories classified as Quad 1 wins, positioning them as formidable NCAA contenders.
Conversely, this defeat was detrimental for Maryland, whose record now stands at 21-7 and 11-6 in the Big Ten. The loss halted their four-game winning streak and left Maryland tied with other competitors for the fourth spot heading toward the Big Ten Tournament. Coach Kevin Willard must now regroup his team as they prepare for their next matchup against Penn State.
With the Big Ten schedule heating up and just weeks left before the NCAA tournament, Michigan State's victory serves as both a reminder of their capability and their need for composure under pressure. Next, they face No. 11 Wisconsin at home, aiming to continue their hot streak and fend off challengers for the regular-season title. Meanwhile, Maryland must look to bounce back quickly to maintain their footing as the tournament approaches. The competitive nature of the Big Ten promises more excitement as teams gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.