The Missouri Tigers, a team that lost only four times all year, showed their weakness against the Spartans. They were not a really good rebounding team. The Spartans hung around and then in the second half, took control to defeat Missouri in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Spartans outrebounded the Tigers 32-22 and had twice as many offensive rebounds as Missouri to pull off the gigantic victory; a severe bracketbuster for a lot of people (including myself).
Neither team had much help from the bench. But the stars shined. The Spartans’ stars shined brighter in this contest.
Kyle O’Quinn scored 26 points and picked up 13 rebounds to lead Norfolk State, who had to win the MEAC Tournament just to be involved in the NCAA Tournament. Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin both added 20 points for the Spartans, who were 10 of 19 (53%) from three-point range.
Marcus Tamares (R) puts up a shot against a Missouri defender. His team, the Norfolk State Spartans shocked America by defeating the second-seeded Missouri Tigers in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. (Credit photo: Eric Francis/Getty Images)
The Tigers were led by Michael Dixon, who scored 22 points and picked up five assists. His teammates, Marcus Denson and Phil Pressey added 20 points each for Missouri, who finished their season in a shock at 30-5.
Norfolk State will play Florida. Can we say Sweet 16???
