For the first time since 2001 and just the fifth time in NCAA tournament history, the #15 seed Norfolk State Spartans upset #2 seeded Missouri, winning 86-84. The last time a #15 beat a #2 happened when Hampton (making their first NCAA tournament appearance from the MEAC, like NSU), bounced Iowa State, (another Big 12 school).
Norfolk State shot a blistering 54% from the field, including 10 of 19 (52%) from three point range. The Spartans shot just 31% from long range during the season. Missouri struggled to slow down 6’10 center Kyle O’Quinn who scored 26 points on 10 of 16 shooting with 14 rebounds. Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin each added 20 points.
The Tigers shot 52% as well, and attempted 29 three pointers while hitting 13 of them, but didn’t have an answer to NSU’s size getting outrebounded 35-23 and allowing 14 offensive rebounds.
Kim English, in his final game as a senior was shut down, held to two points on 1 of 7 shooting. Michael Dixon led Mizzou with 22 points, Marcus Denmon and Phil Pressey each scored 20 as the trio of guards combined for 19 of 33 shooting. Ricardo Ratliffe summed it up best. “I feel like trash.”
AUDIO Ricardo Ratliffe (:36)
The Tigers season ends at 30-5 and one shy of tying the school record for most wins in school history.
AUDIO Phil Pressey on losing 50-50 balls and his last second attempt (2:20)
AUDIO Kim English raw locker room audio (3:00)
AUDIO Michael Dixon postgame comments (2:00)