BROOKLYN - Melo Trimble converted a layup with 6.6 seconds remaining as Maryland survived a stiff challenge from Kansas State in a 69-68 victory Saturday night in the Barclays Center Classic Championship game.
Trimble scored 18 points and his biggest hoop came on Maryland's (7-0) final possession. He drove through the lane and got by Kansas State forward D.J. Johnson for the basket.
After Trimble missed the subsequent free throw, Kansas State (5-1) had one more chance but Barry Brown's jumper from the left side was short. Trimble celebrated with his teammates near center court, and then raced over to the first row and slapped hands with Maryland fans.
Johnson nearly willed Kansas State to the win by totaling a career-high 26 points and getting eight rebounds before fouling out on Trimble's dramatic drive.
Michal Cekovsky added a career-high 16 points for Maryland, highlighting his game with three thunderous dunks midway through the second half.
Welsey Iwundu added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Kansas State.
The game was tied 56-56 following a dunk by Johnson with 5:35 left. The Wildcats took a 61-59 lead on a 3-point play by Johnson but Maryland tied it on Trimble's layup with 3:18 remaining.
Kansas State took a 64-61 lead on a 3-pointer by Kamau Stokes and held a 66-63 edge on two free throws by Johnson. The Wildcats had a 68-65 lead when Johnson rebounded a miss by Brown and easily scored with about a minute to go.
Johnson had a chance to further seal it for Kansas State but missed the put-back attempt of Brown's 3-pointer, and with 44 seconds left he turned the ball over. Trimble drove by Johnson for a layup to make it 68-67.
Iwundu inbounded to Brown, who nearly stepped out of bounds. Brown missed a free throw with 14.3 seconds to play, setting up Trimble's drive.
Trimble was named the Barclays Classic Most Valuable Player, joining Jackson on the all-tournament team. It is the third MVP honor for Trimble.
Trimble and Maryland are 25-5 in games decided by six points or less the last three seasons.
Maryland returns to action when it faces Pittsburgh Tuesday in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge at 7 p.m. at XFINITY Center.
