HBCU Legends

NCAA March Madness: Grambling State Tigers Erase 14-Point Deficit To Defeat Montana State Bobcats In An Epic Overtime Classic

The "Kings of the SWAC" will advance to play Purdue after an epic overtime win in the NCAA First Four.

Kyle T. Mosley

NCAA March Madness: Grambling State Tigers Erase 14-Point Deficit To Defeat Montana State Bobcats In An Epic Overtime Classic
NCAA March Madness: Grambling State Tigers Erase 14-Point Deficit To Defeat Montana State Bobcats In An Epic Overtime Classic /

The new "Kings of the SWAC," No. 16 Grambling State, erased a 14-point second-half deficit to rally and defeat No. 16 Montana State, 88-81, in overtime. Donte Jackson's team made an 18-6 run at 13:49 in the second period during the comeback.  

The game had ten lead changes, as the G-Men extended their biggest lead by eight points with 22.5 seconds remaining. After the Tigers win in the First Four matchup with the Bobcats, they will meet No. 1 Purdue in Indianapolis.

Grambling State defeats Montana State
Mar 20, 2024; Dayton, OH, USA; Grambling State Tigers guard Zahad Munford (2) reacts in the second half against the Montana State Bobcats at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Guard Jimel Cofer had a career night, scoring 19 points and grabbing two rebounds during the victory. His dazzling performance must be put in perspective, as Cofer averaged 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season.   

"I just know my team has my back," Cofer said. "Anybody on this team can get hot at any time. It was just my night." At one point, he had a six-point streak in the second half. Also, the 6-4 Sophomore did not play in the G-Men's win over Texas Southern to claim the SWAC Tournament title. Jourdan Smith and Antwan Burnett added 19 points each while hitting big free throws in the extra period.

"We gotta get to the road, pack up, figure it out, start on film. And worry about how we can throw the whole house, the kitchen, the whatever, the backyard, and Zach Edey. We just got to figure it out."

Grambling was down 42-33 at halftime but overscored the Bobcats 39-30 before heading into overtime. Montana State shot 51.7% from the floor compared to 50% by the SWAC Champs. GSU had the free-throw advantage, scoring 18 of 23 (78.3%) to MSU's 8 of 15 from the charity stripe.

Robert Ford III led the Bobcats with 26 points (six treys) and six rebounds for Montana State in the losing effort.

The Purdue Boilermakers (29-4) will host the Grambling State Tigers (21-14 in the first round of the Midwest Region 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at 6:25 PM CT on TBS.  

Grambling State Tigers Are The New 'Kings Of The SWAC' After They Dethrone The Texas Southern Tigers, Going To First NCAA Tournament

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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