The 2012 Lehigh and Norfolk State men's basketball matchup was a game that will forever be remembered in the annals of college basketball history. It was a clash of underdogs, a battle between two teams that had defied all odds to reach the NCAA tournament. This is the story of how these two teams, with their sheer determination and resilience, created a moment that would be etched in the memories of fans forever.
The Underdog Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was not a household name in the world of college basketball. The Mountain Hawks were a relatively small Division I program that had never won an NCAA tournament game before. Coached by the legendary Brett Reed, the team had a solid regular season, finishing with a record of 26-7 and winning the Patriot League championship.
Led by their star player, CJ McCollum, who would go on to become an NBA player, the Mountain Hawks were ready to make their mark in the tournament. McCollum was a scoring machine, known for his ability to take over games and dominate his opponents. With his leadership and the team's strong chemistry, Lehigh was ready to face any challenge that came their way.
The Norfolk State Spartans
Norfolk State University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, was another underdog team in the 2012 NCAA tournament. The Spartans were a historically black college with a relatively unknown basketball program. Coached by Anthony Evans, the team had a solid regular season, finishing with a record of 25-9 and winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.
The Spartans had their own star player in Kyle O'Quinn, a dominant force in the paint and a fierce rebounder. O'Quinn's presence on the court was instrumental in Norfolk State's success throughout the season. With a combination of strong defense and efficient offense, the Spartans were ready to prove their worth on the national stage.
The Clash of the Underdogs
The Lehigh vs. Norfolk State matchup was not one that drew much attention from the media or fans. It was seen as a battle between two teams that were lucky to even make it to the tournament, let alone advance to the next round. However, both teams were determined to prove their doubters wrong and make a statement.
The game started off as a tightly contested battle, with neither team willing to back down. Lehigh's CJ McCollum showcased his scoring prowess, consistently finding ways to put points on the board. On the other hand, Norfolk State's Kyle O'Quinn dominated the paint, grabbing rebounds and scoring in the low post.
As the game progressed, it became clear that this was not going to be an easy victory for either team. The lead changed hands numerous times, with both teams displaying incredible resilience and determination. Every shot, every rebound, and every defensive stop mattered in this high-stakes matchup.
The Heroic Performance of CJ McCollum
In the end, it was Lehigh's CJ McCollum who would steal the show with a performance for the ages. McCollum scored 30 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists, leading his team to a historic victory. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and create opportunities for his teammates made him an unstoppable force.
McCollum's heroics not only lifted his team to victory but also put Lehigh University on the map. The Mountain Hawks had defeated Norfolk State by a score of 86-84, advancing to the round of 32 for the first time in school history. It was a moment of celebration for the entire Lehigh community and a testament to the power of belief and hard work.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
The Lehigh and Norfolk State men's basketball matchup in 2012 will forever be remembered as a defining moment in college basketball history. It was a game that showcased the true spirit of the NCAA tournament, where underdogs can rise up and create magic on the court. Both teams displayed immense courage, skill, and determination, proving that anything is possible in the world of sports.
The victory of Lehigh University and the heroic performance of CJ McCollum served as an inspiration to countless aspiring basketball players and fans around the world. It taught us the importance of never giving up, always believing in ourselves, and embracing the underdog mentality.
As years go by, the story of the 2012 Lehigh and Norfolk State men's basketball matchup will continue to be shared, passed down from one generation of basketball fans to the next. It will forever stand as a reminder that in the world of sports, the impossible can become possible if you have enough heart and determination.
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