The lofty status of the Big Ten Conference takes a huge hit as Oral Roberts University outlasts No. 2 seeded Ohio State 75-72 in overtime in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Making its first NCAA tourney appearance since 2008, ORU survived a grueling Summit League Tournament along with and early season slate that included Kansas, Arkansas, Wichita State, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Ohio State trailed much of the contest but it appeared they would avoid the upset taking a four-point lead with under three minutes to play, but the Golden Eagles rallied with clutch conversions from the foul line before pulling away in the extra session. The triumph is ORU's first in tournament play since 1974, when the Golden Eagles advanced to the Elite Eight before losing in overtime to Kansas in a game played at ORU's arena. Oral Roberts becomes the first No. 15 seed to win in the tournament since Middle Tennessee downed Michigan State in 2016. All-time No. 15 seeds are now 9-132 all-time in first round play.
top of page
bottom of page
Comments