Princeton men’s basketball team defeated Missouri 78-63 in a second-round game of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 56 years. The team’s dominant performance was fueled by Ryan Langborg’s 22 points and Blake Peters’ 17 points off the bench. Princeton’s tough-nosed defense also played a significant role in the victory, holding Missouri’s top players to just 14 points. The Tigers will face the winner of the second-round game between Baylor and Creighton next week. Princeton’s historic win not only marks their first Sweet 16 appearance in over half a century but also puts the Ivy League on the map, demonstrating the strength of Ivy League basketball.
Princeton Men’s Basketball Advances to Sweet 16 with Dominant Win over Missouri
The Princeton Tigers achieved a historic victory, beating the Missouri Tigers 78-63 in a second-round game of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 18, 2023. This is Princeton’s first Sweet 16 appearance in 56 years, and the first time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Princeton is also the first Ivy League team to reach the Sweet 16 since Cornell in 2010.
A Dominant Performance
Ryan Langborg, Princeton’s guard, led the scoring with 22 points, while Blake Peters had 17 points off the bench in the second half. This performance helped the Tigers secure a spot in the regional semifinals for the first time in over half a century. The team’s 15-point margin of victory was the largest by a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Princeton’s Confidence
Princeton’s confidence and belief in themselves were evident in their victory over Missouri. This was no fluke. As in the first-round upset over Arizona, Princeton was the more physical, composed, and confident team. The team’s close-knit group, tough guys, and hard work ethic showed that they were meant to be there. Princeton made eight of its 12 3s in the second half, including five off the right hand of Peters, who scorched Missouri as the SEC school tried to press in order to get back in the game.
Making History
Princeton’s senior forward, Tosan Evbuomwan, expressed his excitement about the victory, saying “It’s just an unreal feeling to do this with my guys and my teammates and the coaching staff.” Princeton’s coach, Mitch Henderson, who has always dreamed of playing deep into the tournament, was equally thrilled with the team’s performance.
Princeton’s impressive win was a result of their physicality, composure, and confidence. The team’s ability to out-rebound Missouri, including 16 offensive caroms that led to 19 second-chance points, was also crucial to their victory. The Tigers will face the winner of the second-round game between No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 6 seed Creighton next week in Louisville.
Princeton’s success in the NCAA Tournament is not just an achievement for the team but also for the Ivy League. Their impressive win demonstrates the strength of Ivy League basketball and the potential for Ivy League teams to compete with some of the top teams in the country.
Princeton Defense Shuts Down Missouri’s Top Players
Princeton’s defense dominated Missouri in a second-round game of the NCAA Tournament on March 18, 2023. Despite Missouri coming into the game as a seven-point favorite after a victory over Utah State, Princeton managed to shut down their two best players, Kobe Brown and D’Moi Hodge. The duo had combined for 42 points in the first-round win but were held to just 14 points by Princeton’s tough-nosed defense. Even Brown got most of his points after the game was already over. Princeton’s coach, Mitch Henderson, credited the team’s success to their ability to keep their bodies in front of the players and contest shots.
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