HBCU Basketball's Biggest Upsets: Rewriting March Madness History
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a rich and storied basketball tradition, often overcoming significant odds to achieve success. While HBCU teams are frequently underdogs in the NCAA Tournament, they possess a wealth of talent and have been responsible for some of the most memorable upsets in the tournament's history. These victories not only showcase the skill and determination of HBCU players but also challenge the perception of these institutions within the broader landscape of college basketball. This article explores some of the biggest upsets orchestrated by HBCU basketball teams, highlighting the key moments and players that defined these historic achievements.
The Anatomy of an Upset
March Madness thrives on upsets, and HBCUs have certainly delivered their fair share of bracket-busting moments. Before 1993, double-digit seeds rarely defeated powerhouses in the NCAA tournament. However, Southern University's victory over Georgia Tech that year paved the way for other HBCUs to make their mark on the tournament. The common thread running through these upsets is a combination of talent, preparation, and unwavering belief in their ability to compete against larger, more well-known programs.
Southern Stuns Georgia Tech: A Sign of Things to Come
In 1993, Southern University, the last team selected for the NCAA tournament, faced No. 4 Georgia Tech, the reigning ACC Tournament champions. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, Southern exploded in the second, outscoring Georgia Tech 54-34 to secure a 93-78 victory. Jervaughn Scales led the charge with 27 points and 18 rebounds, while Terry Thames added 20 points. This win marked a turning point for HBCU basketball, demonstrating that these institutions could compete with and defeat established programs on the national stage.
Coppin State's Historic Triumph Over South Carolina
Four years later, in 1997, No. 15 Coppin State headed to Pittsburgh to play No. 2 South Carolina. At the time, no MEAC team had ever won an NCAA tournament game, and only two 15 seeds had ever knocked off a two seed. Coppin State entered the tournament with a 21-8 record after winning 14 of its last 15 games. The Eagles won the MEAC regular season and tournament titles.
Despite the odds, Coppin State dominated South Carolina, forcing 19 turnovers and outrebounding the Gamecocks 41-30. Danny Singletary led all scorers with 22 points, while Antoine Brockington added 20. The Eagles' bench outscored South Carolina's 40-19, showcasing their depth and determination. Coppin State's 78-65 victory sent shockwaves through the tournament and solidified their place in HBCU basketball history.
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"I don't think we took Coppin State that seriously," said Gamecock Herbert Lee Davis. Coppin State started the game strong. On the court, Coppin State was bolstered by strong guard play. Starting guard Antoine Brokington scored 20 points while Danny Singletary scored 22 points off the bench, with 18 points in the second half. Coppin State dominated the paint against South Carolina. The Eagles outrebounded the Gamecocks by 10 during the game, with 17 offensive boards. Reggie Welch's 15 rebounds led the way on the glass, while Terquin Mott grabbed 11 boards to match his 11 points in a double-double performance. The Eagles were able to get to the basket all game, and when they couldn't score at the rim, they got to the free-throw line. Coppin State shot 34 free throws to South Carolina's 16. South Carolina guard BJ McKie put it best saying, "They took it to us, and we were passive. On-ball pressure from Brockington and Singleton defensively helped Coppin State shut down South Carolina's stars. Gamecocks Larry Davis, Melvin Waston and BJ McKie combined for just 31 points on 44 percent shooting from the field. After the game was tied at halftime, South Carolina battled back to lead by as many as seven points. Ultimately, the Eagles outscored the Gamecocks by 13 points in the second half.
Hampton's Pirate Ship Sinks Iowa State
In 2001, No. 15 Hampton made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament against No. 2 Iowa State in Boise, Idaho, just six seasons after the Pirates joined the Division I level. Few gave the Pirates a chance against a Cyclones team that featured two future first-round NBA pick Jamaal Tinsley and finished in the Elite Eight the year prior. Hampton entered the tournament with a 24-6 record after winning 13 of its last 14 games dating back to January. The Pirates won the MEAC regular season and tournament titles.
Hampton opened the game strong and forced Iowa State into an early shooting slump. The Cyclones only shot 9-of-27 in the first half. Hampton's backcourt of Marseilles Brown and LaSean Howard brought stability and tournament experience to the Pirates. Howard previously played in the tournament at Syracuse while Brown played in the tournament when he was at Richmond. Hampton controlled the paint behind Tarvis Williams' big day. While his biggest impact came at the end of the game, Williams led both teams with 16 points on 54 percent shooting, 13 rebounds and six blocks. Even when Williams had four fouls late in the second half he still had an impact. Hampton shut down two of Iowa State's biggest stars in Big 12 Freshman of the Year Jake Sullivan and Big 12 Player of the Year and second-team All-American Jamaal Tinsley. The duo scored seven and nine points, respectively, with Tinsely shooting just 4-of-11 from the field. Iowa State opened the second half on a 9-0 run. Later, Hampton trailed 57-48 with seven minutes to play, a 13-point swing from halftime. However, the Pirates went on an 8-0 run over the final stretch to make it a one-point game. With 6.9 seconds left, Tarvis Williams hit a clutch shot to give Hampton a 58-57 lead. Iowa State had one last chance, but Jamaal Tinsley's layup rolled off the rim, securing the victory for Hampton.
Norfolk State Shocks the World Against Missouri
In 2012, No. 15 Norfolk State headed to Omaha, Nebraska to battle No. 2 Missouri. Few gave the Spartans a chance at an upset, with the Tigers a popular Final Four pick across the country, even at its highest ranks with President Barack Obama. Norfolk State entered the tournament with a 25-9 record on a seven-game win streak. The Spartans won the MEAC tournament title to secure a tournament berth.
Norfolk State was already battle-tested entering its matchup against Missouri. When the ball tipped off Norfolk State began the game on a 15-7 run, showing Missouri that the Spartans meant business. Guards Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin each had 20 points for the Spartans. Williams and McEachin's shooting helped set the team apart as both players made four three-pointers on 100 and 50 percent shooting, respectively. Norfolk State's guards were also able to maintain the pace against Missouri by not turning the ball over against one of the nation's peskiest teams. Norfolk State's size played to its advantage against a smaller Missouri team. That size advantage showed on the board as Norfolk State out-rebounded the Tigers 35-23, led by O'Quinn's 14 boards. The Spartans also grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, scoring 16 second-chance points off those opportunities. Beyond the rebounds, Kyle O'Quinn proved he was the most dominant player on the floor throughout the game. A quick look at Missouri's box score and you'll find three players with 20-plus points in Michael Dixon (22) Phil Pressey (20) and Marcus Denmon (20). English had a lingering bruised quad injury and made one of his seven shots against the Spartan defense. A tight battle continued in the second half of the game, with Missouri taking a four-point lead with 7:15 to play. Although O'Quinn missed some late free throws, it didn't matter as Norfolk State held on for an 86-84 win.
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The Spartans' victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, proving that HBCU teams can compete with the best programs in the nation.
Johnson C. Smith's Recent Upset
Johnson C. Smith flipped the script Thursday night at the CIAA Tournament against Virginia Union. After a 52-point loss earlier this season, Johnson C. Smith stunned nationally ranked Virginia Union 64-63. Johnson C. March doesnât remember December. On Dec. 12, Virginia Union dominated Johnson C. Smith by 52 points. The Panthers looked every bit like a regional contender and national power. The second meeting was much closer â a two-point game on Johnson C. Smithâs home floor. Johnson C. Smith stayed composed in a back-and-forth battle that featured 11 lead changes and nine ties. The CIAA Tournament is built on physicality and resilience. Johnson C. Players spoke about trusting the plan and staying connected when momentum shifted. Loose balls were contested. Defensive stops came at critical moments. âWe could have folded tonight, but we didnât,â one player said. Virginia Union shot 77.8 percent from the free-throw line and controlled stretches inside, but Johnson C. With the win, Johnson C. Smith advances to face Fayetteville State in the CIAA semifinals. After losing by 52 in December, Johnson C. And on Thursday night, Johnson C.
Notable HBCU Basketball Players
HBCU basketball has produced a number of talented players who have gone on to achieve success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some of the most notable HBCU basketball players of all time include:
- Sam Jones (North Carolina Central): Averaged 17.8 points per game and later became a key member of the Boston Celtics dynasty, winning 10 NBA championships.
- Earl Monroe (Winston-Salem State): Averaged 26.7 points per game and led Winston-Salem State to the NCAA College Division Championship. He went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks.
- Charles Oakley (Virginia Union): Averaged 24.3 points and 17.3 rebounds per game and led Virginia Union to a 31-1 record. He went on to have a successful NBA career.
- Avery Johnson (Southern): Led the NCAA in assists twice and was named SWAC Player of the Year twice. He later helped the San Antonio Spurs win an NBA championship.
- Larry Smith (Alcorn State): Led the NCAA in rebounding and was named SWAC Player of the Year twice. He went on to play in the NBA for several teams.
- Jervaughn Scales (Southern): Averaged 20.4 points and 12.5 rebounds per game and led Southern to a victory in the 1993 NCAA Tournament.
- Larry Stewart (Coppin State): Averaged 20.0 points and 11.6 rebounds per game and led Coppin State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. He went on to play in the NBA.
- Reginald Johnson Jr. (Hampton): Averaged 15.3 points per game and led Hampton to an NCAA tournament victory over Manhattan.
- Kyle O'Quinn (Norfolk State): Averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and led Norfolk State to an upset victory over Missouri in the NCAA Tournament.
- Demontrae Jefferson (Texas Southern): Averaged 18.7 points per game and led Texas Southern to its first-ever victory in the NCAA tournament.
The Lasting Impact of HBCU Upsets
The upsets orchestrated by HBCU basketball teams have had a lasting impact on the NCAA Tournament and the perception of these institutions. These victories have demonstrated that HBCUs can compete with and defeat larger, more well-known programs, challenging the traditional power structure of college basketball. Moreover, these upsets have provided a platform for talented HBCU players to showcase their skills and gain recognition on a national stage.
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