Once again, Michigan was involved in a late-game scuffle in the middle of the opponent's logo. This time, it was on the basketball court.
It’s been a tradition in East Lansing since former Spartan Shawn Respert first did it in 1995 for Michigan State's seniors to kiss the logo at midcourt of the Breslin Center before leaving the court for the last time at Michigan State.
But when the Spartans’ seniors started to do so while Michigan's Justin Pippen was at the free-throw line with Michigan State holding a 79-61 lead and 37 seconds remaining in Sunday’s game, two Michigan players – L.J. Cason and “Phat Phat” Brooks – stood directly in the middle of the Spartan logo.
Michigan State guard Tre Holloman took exception to it and proceeded to try and push them off the midcourt logo. A shoving match between the two teams then ensued.
There appeared to be an altercation between Michigan and Michigan State in the closing moments. pic.twitter.com/P9MsbOQSwL
— CBS Sports College Basketball (@CBSSportsCBB) March 9, 2025
After the game, first-year Michigan head coach Dusty May was asked about the situation.
Dusty May's response to the altercation at half court at the end of the game pic.twitter.com/GbkvE6HM4C
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 9, 2025
"I didn't know there was a tradition where they're shooting a free throw and we aren't allowed to stand at half court," May said sarcastically. "I'm not familiar with that one. Is that a tradition?"
While there were no ejections, it's clear that Michigan – even if it won’t admit it – was trying to prove a point and Michigan State wasn't going to allow that to happen.
NOBODY will disrespect our tradition
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 9, 2025
Tom Izzo calls Tre Holloman up to kiss the court pic.twitter.com/wC4r7ugkH2
Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season championship with its 79-62 win over Michigan, the Wolverines’ third straight loss to end the regular season.
