The Grambling State Tigers were down by double digits late. The Montana State Bobcats’ NCAA Tournament journey appeared to be inching toward another game in the Round of 64. Until it wasn’t.
The Tigers roared back, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Bobcats 88-81 in overtime Wednesday night in the First Four. Grambling State will now face the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers in the Midwest Regional.
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“To get a first-round win, it’s just amazing,” said Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson. “That is just major exposure for our program.”
Jimel Cofer led Grambling State in scoring with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the floor. Antwan Burnett and Jourdan Smith each added 18 points for the Tigers. Montana State’s Robert Ford III had a game-high 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field.
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With the game tied at 78 with 1:43 remaining in overtime, Burnett made two clutch free throws. Smith later dunked with 56 seconds left, sealing the victory for the Tigers.
Grambling State made program history when it won the SWAC tournament over Texas Southern, securing a birth in their first Division I NCAA Tournament. Before 2024, Grambling State appeared in two D-II NCAA Tournaments (1958 and 1976).
Grambling State looks to be the third No. 16 seed to upset a No. 1 seed in men’s NCAA Tournament history. The other two are UMBC in 2018 against No. 1 Virginia and Fairleigh Dickinson last year against No. 1 Purdue.
The SWAC has won just seven NCAA Tournament games. Friday’s matchup pins Grambling State, looking to continue its unlikely run, against Purdue, eager to avenge last year’s defeat against a No. 16 seed.
Tip-off between Purdue-Grambling State is scheduled for 7:25 p.m. ET on Friday.
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(Photo: Rick Osentoski / USA Today)
