It happened so fast. One second, Michigan State fans were bracing for a soul-crushing overtime period against Maryland, and the next, Tre Holloman was being mobbed by a swarm of green jerseys at mid-court. This wasn't just a regular bucket. Honestly, it was the kind of "did that really just happen?" moment that makes college basketball the chaotic, beautiful mess we love.
The date was February 26, 2025.
The Xfinity Center in College Park was a literal pressure cooker. No. 8 Michigan State was trying to hold off No. 16 Maryland, and things were getting ugly. If you’ve watched Tom Izzo teams over the years, you know the vibe. Grit, defense, and then—suddenly—a total collapse that leaves everyone screaming at their television. That’s exactly what was unfolding as a nine-point Spartan lead evaporated into a 55-55 tie.
Then, the heave.
The Tre Holloman Buzzer Beater Breakdown
Most people think buzzer beaters are these perfectly choreographed plays. They aren't. Not this one.
With about three seconds left, Maryland’s Ja'Kobi Gillespie missed a deep three that would have won it for the Terps. Jaxon Kohler grabbed the board, and he didn't hesitate. He looked up, saw Tre Holloman streaking toward mid-court, and whipped the ball to him. Holloman took one dribble, crossed the half-court line, and launched a prayer from about 65 feet out.
The ball stayed in the air forever.
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When it finally ripped through the net, the silence in Maryland was deafening. You could hear a pin drop, except for the tiny pocket of Spartan fans going absolutely nuclear in the stands. It gave Michigan State a 58-55 win and, more importantly, a massive boost in the Big Ten standings.
Why the shot was so improbable
- The Struggle: Before that shot, Holloman was having a rough night. He was 3-of-12 from the floor. He had just committed a turnover and a foul that allowed Maryland to tie the game.
- The Distance: This wasn't a comfortable top-of-the-key three. It was a 65-foot desperation heave.
- The Stakes: MSU was fighting for a top seed in the tournament. A loss here would have been a massive blow to their momentum.
Tom Izzo’s Reaction Was Classic
If you know Izzo, you know he doesn't hand out compliments like candy. After the game, he was sweating, breathless, and totally honest. He told Andy Katz on the Big Ten Network, "Look, that was a lucky shot."
But he didn't stop there.
Izzo argued that while the shot was lucky, the win was deserved. He pointed to the defense, which held Maryland without a field goal for the final five minutes of the game. He mentioned how they practice half-court shots at the end of every practice—a little ritual that clearly paid off when it mattered most.
It’s kind of funny, actually. Holloman had apparently made a half-court shot in practice the night before. Sometimes the universe just lines things up like that.
A Career-Defining Moment for Holloman
Before this game, Tre Holloman was known as a solid, dependable backup who was starting to find his rhythm. He’s a Minneapolis kid—a former two-sport star who could have easily played high-level college football as a defensive back.
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He chose basketball.
That choice led him to East Lansing, where he spent years developing under Izzo’s grueling system. He eventually transferred to NC State for his senior year in the 2025-26 season, but for Spartans fans, he will always be the guy who hit "The Shot."
Breaking down the 2024-25 Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 9.1 |
| Assist/Turnover Ratio | 2.36 |
| Free Throw % | 85.1% |
| Season Highlight | The Maryland Heave |
His 2024-25 season was a massive leap. He wasn't just a "glue guy" anymore. He was a co-captain who finished third on the team in scoring. He had a 20-point explosion against Michigan on Senior Day later that year, but nothing topped the Maryland miracle.
What This Meant for the Big Ten Standings
At the time, the Big Ten was a total gauntlet. Michigan State moved a half-game ahead of Michigan with that win. It was their seventh road win of the season, which tied them for the most in the conference.
Maryland was stunned. They hadn't lost at home in a way that felt that personal in a long time. Their bench had scored zero points that night. Zero. When your starters play 39 minutes and you still lose on a 65-foot prayer, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Lessons from the Madness
Sports are weird. You can play 39 minutes and 59 seconds of statistically "better" basketball and still lose because a kid from Minnesota decides to hurl a leather ball from the logo.
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If you're looking for the takeaway here, it's basically this: stay in the play. Tre Holloman could have moped after his late-game turnover. He could have played it safe and waited for overtime. Instead, he ran the floor, looked for the ball, and took the shot.
If you want to relive the magic, the highlights are still all over YouTube and Twitter. Just search for "Holloman Maryland buzzer beater" and watch the bench reaction. It never gets old.
To keep track of how these moments impact the current season, keep an eye on the Big Ten tournament seeds and the adjusted NET rankings. Those late-season road wins are often the difference between a 2-seed and a 5-seed in March.
Go back and watch the footwork on the release. You'll notice Holloman doesn't even jump that high; he uses his whole lower body to generate the power needed to clear the mid-court line. It’s a masterclass in desperation mechanics.
Watch the full game replay if you can find it. The defensive intensity from both sides in the final four minutes is actually more impressive than the shot itself.
Check the current Big Ten standings to see how MSU is positioning themselves for the next run.