On March 3, 1985, one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history took place during the Big East Conference championship game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
With just seconds left on the clock and the score tied at 57-57, Georgetown's star player, Patrick Ewing, took a shot that bounced off the rim. St. John's forward Walter Berry grabbed the rebound and attempted to throw a full-court pass to his teammate, Chris Mullin, for a potential game-winning layup.
However, Georgetown's full-court press defense forced Berry to make an errant pass, which was intercepted by Hoyas guard Michael Jackson. Jackson quickly passed the ball to teammate Horace Broadnax, who then launched a desperation shot from half-court as time expired.
Miraculously, Broadnax's shot found nothing but net, giving Georgetown a thrilling 60-57 victory and their third Big East championship in four years. The incredible buzzer-beater sent the Georgetown bench and fans into a frenzy, while leaving the St. John's players and supporters stunned and heartbroken.
The dramatic finish to this game has since been remembered as one of the greatest moments in the history of the Big East Tournament and college basketball as a whole. It showcased the intensity and passion of the rivalry between Georgetown and St. John's, two of the most storied programs in the conference, and highlighted the incredible talent of players like Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, and Horace Broadnax.
The 1985 Big East championship game and Broadnax's unforgettable buzzer-beater continue to be celebrated and replayed by basketball fans around the world, cementing March 3 as a date that will forever live in sports history.
