Princeton men’s basketball team created history by advancing to the Sweet 16 after defeating Missouri, the seven-point favorite, with a score of 78-63 in the second-round NCAA Tournament game. The Tigers’ tough defense proved to be the key factor in their remarkable win. Princeton’s senior forward Tosan Evbuomwan contributed nine points, nine rebounds, and five assists to the team’s victory. Freshman Caden Pierce also played a significant role, scoring eight points and grabbing a career-best 16 rebounds. Princeton’s win marks the first time since 1967 and the first time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The Tigers’ next challenge will be to face the winner of the second-round game between No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 6 seed Creighton next week in Louisville.
Princeton Men’s Basketball Team Advances to Sweet 16 with Dominant Win Over Missouri
The No. 15 seed Princeton men’s basketball team secured its spot in the Sweet 16 by defeating the No. 7 seed Missouri with a score of 78-63 in the second-round NCAA Tournament game on March 18, 2023. The Tigers achieved a milestone by advancing to the regional semifinals for the first time in 56 years and the first time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
A Close-Knit Team of Tough Guys
Senior forward Tosan Evbuomwan, who contributed nine points, nine rebounds, and five assists, expressed his excitement for the win, saying “It’s just an unreal feeling to do this with my guys and my teammates and the coaching staff. It’s been a few years in the making, and we have such a close group, we love to work with each other, we love to push each other, and it’s showing. It’s a group of really tough guys, and it’s all coming together at the right time.”
Aiming to Play Deep into the Tournament
Coach Mitch Henderson was ecstatic for his team’s victory, saying “I’ve always dreamed of playing deep into the tournament. As a player, I got to the second round a couple of times and never got beyond it. I feel like, for these guys, it’s unbelievable.”
Third Straight Season for No. 15 Seed to Reach Sweet 16
Princeton’s 15-point margin of victory was the largest by a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This is also the third straight season for a No. 15 seed to make it to the Sweet 16 and the second consecutive year for a school from New Jersey to achieve this feat, following Saint Peter’s incredible run to the Elite Eight.
A More Physical, Composed, and Confident Team
Similar to their first-round upset over Arizona, Princeton was the more physical, composed, and confident team against Missouri. “The world looks at it as two upsets, but I keep feeling like we’re supposed to be here,” Evbuomwan said. “We have a lot of confidence in each other and what we’re doing. There’s definitely no let up with this group.”
Peters and Langborg Lead the Charge
Ryan Langborg scored 22 points, while Blake Peters contributed 17 points off the bench, all in the second half. Peters was responsible for five of Princeton’s eight three-pointers in the second half, taking advantage of Missouri’s press to help his team secure the win. Freshman Caden Pierce had eight points and a career-best 16 rebounds. Princeton out-rebounded Missouri, 44-30, including 16 offensive caroms that led to 19 second-chance points.
Next Stop: Louisville
Princeton will face the winner of the second-round game between No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 6 seed Creighton next week in Louisville. This marks the first time since 2010 that an Ivy League team has reached the Sweet 16, following in the footsteps of Cornell.
Princeton Shocks Missouri, Advances to Sweet 16 with Tenacious Defense
Princeton men’s basketball team achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Missouri, the seven-point favorite, with a score of 78-63 in the second-round NCAA Tournament game. The Tigers’ tough-nosed defense neutralized Missouri’s two best players, Kobe Brown and D’Moi Hodge, who scored only 14 points combined after a 42-point performance in the first-round win. “They keep their body in front of guys, good old-fashioned tough-nosed defense,” Coach Mitch Henderson said. Princeton will now advance to the Sweet 16, marking the first time since 1967 and the first time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
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