INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling display of basketball fanfare, Tre Donaldson delivered a last-second layup that propelled No. 22 Michigan to the Big Ten Tournament final, edging past Maryland with an 81-80 victory. The high-stakes moment occurred when Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr.’s potential game-winner was thwarted, allowing Wisconsin to seize control and run out the clock without difficulty. This is quintessentially what March Madness is all about, especially in the competitive realm of the Big Ten Conference.
Donaldson’s swift and tactical move solidified its place in Michigan basketball history, echoing the likes of Danny Ainge and Tyus Edney’s memorable plays in March tournaments past. “This is something a kid dreams of his whole life,” Donaldson reflected, musing over his transformative shot.
The play unfolded immediately after Michigan’s first-year coach, Dusty May, called a timeout with the Wolverines trailing by one point and a mere 5.3 seconds left on the clock. Caught in the moment, Donaldson acted decisively when the opportunity arose—racing down the court and taking the chance himself as defenders fell short of preventing his daring drive. The go-ahead basket was a recollection for fans of sensational finishes in college basketball history.
The buzzer-beater climaxed hours of dramatics in Indianapolis, marking a peak weekend of basketball action. Earlier, Michigan State had also envisioned a fairytale ending. Coming fresh off a series of victories and with high hopes for further success in Indy, the Spartans seemed primed for advancement.
Against Wisconsin, both teams exchanged command of the game. Wisconsin led as time dwindled, but Michigan State fought back fiercely. Jaxon Kohler’s three-pointer and Jeremy Fears’ key free throws heated up the final minute, bringing the game within one point. However, a missed shot and some missed free throws in the closing moments left the door open for drama, with Wisconsin eventually securing the win.
The turbulent ending left Michigan State’s coach, Tom Izzo, reflecting on the whirlwind match’s twists: “It had to be a great game for TV,” he said, commenting on the intensity and tightly contested officiating. Izzo acknowledged their loss was a result of earlier errors rather than any final play speculation.
Now, the anticipation shifts to Sunday’s face-off between Wisconsin and Michigan. Previously, Michigan overcame Wisconsin during regular season play in Ann Arbor. As the teams brace for their second encounter, fans are left wondering if yet another dramatic ending awaits—a perfect unpredictability that only March can offer.
