COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Tre Holloman made one of the most unforgettable shots of the season, sinking a half-court buzzer-beater to provide the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans with a 58-55 victory over the No. 16 Maryland Terrapins on Wednesday night at the packed XFINITY Center. Going for glory, the freshman’s shot rocketed through the net just as time expired, leaving both teams and fans breathless.
This thrilling finish capped off what had been, up until then, a fiercely contested game marked by defensive prowess and shooting woes. The Terrapins had rallied back from trailing 55-48 to tie the game with 41 seconds left, thanks to free throws by Ja’Kobi Gillespie after an unfortunate turnover from Holloman. The intensity peaked as both teams delivered hard-fought plays, but Maryland's inability to land the game-winning basket left the door open for Holloman's miracle shot.
Despite the chaos leading up to it, Holloman finished the game with nine points off 3-of-12 shooting. Jase Richardson led the Spartans with 15 points and contributed significantly on the boards. The excitement of Holloman's heave overshadowed the offensive struggles all around, where both teams combined for just 33% shooting throughout the match.
This pivotal win strengthens Michigan State's position at the top of the Big Ten standings, giving them a half-game lead over their rival Michigan. After the game, Coach Tom Izzo praised his team's spirit, saying, "I thought we deserved to win the game... played inspired basketball." Michigan State improves to 23-5 overall and 14-3 in their conference play, keeping them firmly on the path to contend for the Big Ten title.
The game wasn't without its battles. The Spartans controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Terrapins 45-33, but it was their defense, particularly during the final five minutes, which shone brightest. Missouri's defense held Maryland to only 55 points, their lowest total of the season, thanks to relentless pressure and smart rotations.
For Maryland, Rodney Rice emerged as the standout performer, dropping 20 points with his relentless attack on the basket, including significant contributions with key 3-pointers. Gillespie, on the other hand, chipped in with 15 points but was unable to convert on the game-winning shot attempt, capping off the night with mixed emotions.
The game was particularly tense, with Michigan State building on their slight lead peaking at 52-43, only to see Maryland storm back to tie the score. Both teams often resorted to forcing tough shots against strong defensive postures, leading to long scoreless stretches. The Spartans had gone nearly four minutes without scoring at one point during the first half, and the Terps had just as rough of stretches as well.
Looking forward, both teams are preparing for their upcoming matches, with Maryland set to head to Penn State, and Michigan State getting ready to host No. 11 Wisconsin on Sunday. The Spartans will need to keep their momentum rolling if they hope to secure the Big Ten championship, something they are now more than ever within reach of accomplishing.
Reflecting on the outcome, Coach Willard of Maryland acknowledged the tough loss but recognized the electric atmosphere, stating, "It was a great atmosphere... I hate to lose on a buzzer-beater. Third one this year, but I think it was just great to see so many fans come out to support us."
This game will be remembered not just for Holloman’s stunning end but for the fierce competition displayed throughout. Each team battled hard with various heroes stepping to the forefront. For Michigan State, this win is not merely about one clutch shot; it’s about proving resilience and claiming their position as serious competitors for the Big Ten crown.