We are just three days away from March Madness, but the No. 8 Michigan State team, led by Tre Holloman, wasted no time in getting the excitement started early. In a jaw-dropping moment on Wednesday, the Spartans faced off against the No. 16 Maryland team and secured a remarkable victory with a buzzer-beating, half-court shot that broke the 55-55 tie on the road. With less than three seconds remaining in the game, Michigan State seized a missed shot from Ja’Kobi Gillespie and swiftly passed the ball to Holloman, who launched a miraculous shot from behind the logo. The ball swished through the net just a split second after the buzzer sounded, sealing the win for the Spartans. As expected, the Michigan State bench erupted in celebration, contrasting with the dejected expressions of Gillespie and the Maryland fans who displayed the classic “surrender cobra” pose.
This unforgettable moment marks the second time in five games against Maryland that Michigan State has clinched a victory with a jaw-dropping half-court buzzer beater. Reflecting on his incredible shot, Holloman shared, “I saw the rim and the shot clock winding down, so I had to take the shot. We practice these scenarios, so I just went for it, and it went in,” in an interview with Big Ten Network’s Andy Katz.
Prior to the buzzer-beater heroics, Holloman had struggled, shooting 2-for-11 from the field and committing a crucial turnover that allowed the Terrapins to tie the game. Despite this, he managed to contribute nine points, three assists, and two rebounds off the bench. Holloman’s clutch performance saved Michigan State from a potential collapse, as they had held a seven-point lead with just two and a half minutes left in the game. Gillespie single-handedly scored six of Maryland’s next seven points, while the Spartans failed to make a basket until after the buzzer had sounded. However, in the world of sports, the final buzzer doesn’t always signify the end of the game.
This remarkable victory marks Michigan State’s fourth consecutive win, setting the stage for another challenging matchup against the No. 11 Wisconsin team on Sunday.
