Michigan State reserve guard Korie Lucious nailed a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer to push No. 5 MSU Spartans over the No. 4 Maryland Terrapins, 85-83, and put down a furious late rally by Maryland.
Maryland star Greivis Vasquez pulled off his famous late-game heroics to give his team a one-point lead with six seconds left in the game. Maryland (24-9) was losing by as much as 12 points in the second half, and was down by nine points with less than two minutes left.
“They play so hard, you have to give them credit for making this game so tough, especially the press defense they used to give us problems at the end,” said MSU coach Tom Izzo.
The press defense Izzo mentioned forced a few key turnovers, which Maryland capitalized on. But the press couldn’t stop Michigan State from getting up court at the end of the game, allowing Lucious to get off his buzzer-beater in time for the win.
Lucious finished the game with 13 points scored off the bench. He followed Spartans forward Raymar Morgan, who scored 17 points with nine rebounds. Durrell Summers led MSU with 26 points on 10 for 14 shooting from the field.
Vasquez led Maryland with 26 points of his own, along with seven assists and three steals. Eric Hayes followed him with 18 points and seven assists, while Landon Milbourne added 11 points and Jordan Williams contributed 10 points.
Michigan State (26-8) will now advance to the Sweet 16, to face No. 9 seed Iowa State on March 26 in Spokane, Wash.