DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”
DAYTON, Ohio — Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson’s previous, current and future got here collectively Wednesday night time on the First 4.
Jackson returned to the world the place he completed school at Central State, the place he met his spouse, Shelithia, and the place he started his teaching profession, and never simply in basketball. After serving to Grambling State to a historic win, he left the world holding Shelithia’s hand, his staff nonetheless alive within the NCAA match.
“I really coached tennis, additionally,” Jackson mentioned. “I obtained tennis gamers within the crowd, former basketball gamers within the crowd.”
Jackson’s former gamers in his “second residence” watched No. 16 seed Grambling State erase a 14-point deficit within the second half to defeat fellow No. 16 seed Montana State 88-81 in extra time. The Tigers superior within the Midwest area and can face No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis.
Eleven seasons after going 0-28 , Grambling State received its NCAA match debut, changing into the primary staff to open 1-0 within the occasion since Northwestern in 2017.
“To get a first-round win, it is simply superb,” Jackson mentioned. “That’s simply main publicity for our program, simply letting these guys know that they might have went to all these different massive faculties and issues of that nature, however they selected proper by coming to Grambling.”
The Tigers grew to become the ninth HBCU program to win within the NCAA match and the sixth since 2000. They did so behind an unlikely hero in sophomore guard Jimel Cofer, who scored all of his team-high 19 factors within the second half in extra time, after not enjoying in any respect within the first half, or in Grambling’s SWAC championship sport win over Texas Southern.
“Even once I’m not enjoying, I am locked in on the sport as a result of ultimately, my identify’s going to be referred to as,” Cofer mentioned.
“I inform him, ‘Simply be prepared, simply be prepared,'” Jackson added.
Jackson had Cofer change Grambling State’s main scorer, Kintavious Dozier, who performed solely six minutes after halftime, in an effort to have extra measurement towards Montana State’s ball screens. Cofer repeatedly attacked Montana State star Robert Ford III, who had a game-high 26 factors and went 6-of-8 on 3-point makes an attempt, however performed a lot of the stretch run with 4 fouls.
Down 42-33 at halftime, Grambling State gamers acknowledged some arguing of their locker room.
“We’re a staff that after we argue, 5, 10 minutes later, we’ll get again, we’ll high-five, we’ll discuss changes,” mentioned senior wing Jourdan Smith, who had 18 factors and 9 rebounds.
By the point Jackson entered the room, the gamers had made the required tweaks, particularly on protection. Regardless of scorching taking pictures from Ford and junior ahead Brian Goracke, the Tigers held Montana State to solely 30 second-half factors, mixing in some zone to throw off the Bobcats.
“They’re constructed on adversity,” Jackson mentioned of his gamers. “I’ve obtained quite a lot of guys that come from underprivileged conditions and issues of that nature, and adversity is a part of life. It is about the way you bounce again whenever you get in a foul scenario.”
Grambling State has lower than 48 hours to recharge earlier than going through Purdue, led by 2023 nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Final yr, Purdue grew to become solely the second No. 1 seed to fall towards a No. 16 seed in Fairleigh Dickinson, which additionally received a First 4 sport earlier than going through the Boilermakers.
Purdue has misplaced to double-digit seeds in every of its previous three NCAA match appearances.
“They do not have the No. 1 seed for nothing,” Jackson mentioned. “They’ve the most effective massive man within the nation, and we have got to return in and play. [I’ll watch] lot of movie tonight. I have not been sleeping a lot anyway.”