No. 15 Saint Peter's Stuns No. 7 Murray State in Upset to Advance to Men's Sweet 16
Mar 20, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: KC Ndefo #11 of the St. Peter's Peacocks, center, takes the ball to the basket while being defended by KJ Williams #0, left, and Jordan Skipper-Brown #31 of the Murray State Racers during the first half of action in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 19, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michigan won 76-68. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
The No. 15 Saint Peter's Peacocks continued their Cinderella run by defeating the No. 7 Murray State Racers 70-60 in the men's NCAA tournament second round on Saturday.
PEACOCKS KEEP THEIR DREAM RUN ALIVE đŠâ°â°No. 15 Saint Peterâs is in the Sweet 16 after beating No. 7 Murray State, 70-60 https://t.co/dJYUeL0bAo
KC Ndefo led the way with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks as Saint Peter's improved to 21-11. With the win, the Peacocks have reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. Saint Peter's had the biggest upset of March Madness with a win over second-seeded Kentucky in the first round on Thursday.
St. Peter's does not have a single player on their roster that was ranked coming out of high school.
Murray State's season comes to an end at 31-3. The Racers had their 21-game winning streak snapped with the loss. Justice Hill led the way with a team-high 19 points.
Notable Stats
KC Ndefo, Saint Peter's: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks
Doug Edert, Saint Peter's: 13 points (off bench)
Justice Hill, Murray State: 19 points
Tevin Brown, Murray State: 14 points
Saint Peter's Bigs Control Game on Both Ends
The Peacocks were facing one of the best offenses in the nation, so they decided to slow the game down by turning it into a slugfest. Saint Peter's relied on its big men on both ends of the floor to get the job done.
Ndefo was a force all game, dominating in the low post on offense and anchoring Saint Peter's interior defense. He was able to get good looks in the paint, which eventually opened things up for his teammates to slash to the basket for layups or spot up for jumpers.
The Racers are used to playing uptempo and averaged 79.3 points per game this season. But the Peacocks didn't allow them to get out and run in transition like they usually do.
When Murray State cut the lead to two with just over four minutes left, Doug Edert came up with a couple of clutch baskets to help put the game away. Saint Peter's closed the game on an 11-3 run.
In addition to Ndefo, forwards Hassan Drame and Clarence Rupert played strong defense and also combined for 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting. The Saint Peter's bigs did a great job of pressuring the Murray State frontcourt and forcing them into foul trouble. The Peacocks shot 23-of-31 from the free-throw line and won the rebounding battle 38-31.
As Saint Peter's moves forward in the tournament, it will continue to rely on its frontcourt to make the game ugly for opponents on both ends. The Peacocks will continue to be a dangerous team as long as they're able to control the game and play through their big men.
Murray State's High-Powered Offense Runs Out of Steam
It was a surprise to see the Racers struggle as much as they did on Saturday. Murray State is known for its potent offensive efficiency but couldn't find its rhythm against Saint Peter's.
The Racers couldn't get out on the fast break as much as they had hoped to thanks to the Peacocks slowing down the tempo. With no easy looks at the basket, Murray State turned to its outside shooting. But the three-pointers weren't falling either, and the Racers finished 8-of-24 from beyond the arc.
Four players scored in double figures for Murray State, but they all lacked efficiency. The Racers shot 18-of-52 (34.6 percent) from the field in the loss.
It was an unfortunate time for the team's usually dominant offense to run out of gas. But Murray State just couldn't find its footing with Saint Peter's controlling the pace of the game.
What's Next?
Saint Peter's will take on the winner of No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 6 Texas in the Sweet 16 next week.
Video: Ja Morant Honored as Murray State Retires His No. 12 Jersey
Feb 1, 2020
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is defended by Anthony Polite #13 of the Florida State Seminoles in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Just because the Memphis Grizzlies were off Saturday doesn't mean the basketball world was deprived of its nightly Ja Morant highlight.Â
The Rookie of the Year candidate returned to his alma mater, where the Murray State Racers retired his No. 12.Â
Morant played just two seasons for the Racers and made the most of them. As a sophomore, the guard averaged 24.5 points, 10.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game while leading Murray State to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances.
Morant was a consensus All-American in 2019 before being selected No. 2 overall by the Grizzlies. He joins Isaiah Canaan, Popeye Jones, Marcus Brown and seven others to have their numbers retired by the Racers.
Ja Morant to Have No. 12 Murray State Jersey Retired February 1
Jan 28, 2020
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers attempts a free throw against the Florida State Seminoles in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Murray State head basketball coach Matt McMahon announced Tuesday the program will retire the No. 12 jersey of former Racers and current Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant on Saturday at halftime of the team's game against SIU-Edwardsville.
Murray State Athletics is proud to announce Ja Morant's No. 12 will be retired Saturday, Feb. 1 at halftime when the Racers host SIUE at the CFSB Center. https://t.co/hPFO1aOieB Here's a special message from Racer Head Coach Matt McMahon. #GoRacerspic.twitter.com/mIl2zkopUZ
Morant shined across two seasons with the Racers, earning consensus first-team All-American honors during the 2018-19 college basketball season, before getting selected by the Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
The 20-year-old Georgia native was also named the 2019 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and earned first-team All-OVC honors in both his seasons with the Racers.
He helped lead Murray State to the NCAA tournament in both his seasons at the collegiate level, and the Racers upset fifth-seeded Marquette in the opening round of the 2019 edition of March Madness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jkm49v2gFA
Earlier this month, Morant's NBA team held "Murray State Night with the Memphis Grizzlies," a chance for diehard fans from the small Kentucky-based school to make the trip to see the point guard's evolution toward stardom at the professional level.
"It was an emotional night, obviously," Morant told reporters. "I couldn't show it much, but very thankful for Murray and the Grizzlies for everything they've done for me."
He's in the midst of a terrific rookie campaign, averaging 17.6 points, 7.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds across 40 appearances for Memphis, which currently owns the eighth spot in the Western Conference at 22-24.
But Saturday night he'll be back at the CFSB Center to see his No. 12 retired. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN Plus.
Ja Morant Reportedly Will Declare for 2019 NBA Draft, Leave Murray State
Apr 3, 2019
Murray State's Ja Morant in action during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against SIU - Edwardsville in Murray, Ky., Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant reportedly will declare for the 2019 NBA draft. Â
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Morant will make his decision official at a press conference Wednesday.
Morant arrived at Murray State as an unranked recruit in the 2017 class, per 247Sports'Â composite rankings, but quickly shot up draft boards with his head-turning play.
He flashed his potential as a difference-maker but didn't look like an NBA lottery pick as a freshman with 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game behind 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 30.7 percent shooting from three-point range.
While his ability to contribute on the boards from the backcourt and facilitate for others stood out, he wasn't the dominant scorer he would eventually become.
Morant then took an incredible leap from his freshman to sophomore season and posted 24.5 points, 10.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per night. He also improved his field-goal percentage to 49.9 and his three-point shooting to 36.3 percent as a more efficient playmaker, even though he had the ball in his hands far more often as the focal point of Murray State's offense.
BR Video
He became a household name during the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament when he notched a triple-double in a first-round victory over Marquette (17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds) and poured in 28 points in a second-round loss to Florida State.
The following people have notched a triple-double in a NCAA tournament game.
Oscar Robertson Magic Johnson Gary Grant David Cain Andre Miller Dwayne Wade Draymond Green
Now add one more.
Ja Morant.
— Murray State Racers Athletics (@MSURacers) March 21, 2019
The flashy guard plays bigger than his 6'3" height, as evidenced by his rebounding numbers and ability to finish through contact when he penetrates the lane. He also uses his explosive first step when defenders push up on him but is capable of extending his game beyond the arc when they sag off to account for the drive.
What's more, Morant gets out in transition as effectively as any player in college basketball with elite explosiveness that should translate to the NBA. He also regularly facilitates for others when defenders collapse on him and can control the pace with his playmaking and ball-handling.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report projected Morant as the No. 3 overall pick behind the Duke combination of Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett in a March 5 mock draft, underscoring how the Murray State guard can be a franchise cornerstone for whichever team selects him.
Ja Morant Gives Autographed Shoes to Young Fan After NCAA Tournament Loss to FSU
Mar 23, 2019
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is defended by M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Ja Morant couldn't lead No. 12 Murray State to the Sweet 16, losing to No. 4 Florida State 90-62 in the second round, but the future NBA star went out with class.
After the game, he gifted a young fan a signed pair of his shoes:
Morant did everything he could for the Racers on Saturday, scoring 28 points on 5-of-6 shooting from three while adding five boards, four assists, two steals and a block. He posted a triple-double in the team's first NCAA men's tournament game, finishing with 17 points, an absurd 16 assists and 11 rebounds.Â
Morant showed out, and then he showed grace, making a young fan's day with a solid gesture. Â
Video: Watch Ja Morant Drill Back-to-Back 3s Early in 1st Half vs. Florida State
Mar 23, 2019
BR Video
Murray State star Ja Morant opened the NCAA men's basketball tournament with a triple-double in an upset win over No. 5 Marquette, and it seems like he isn't slowing down in Round 2.
The point guard gave his team an early advantage Saturday against No. 4 Florida State by making his first four attempts from beyond the arc, including back-to-back threes early in the first half.
Twelfth-seeded Murray State has already been one of the best stories of March Madness so far as a legitimate threat to make a deep run behind one of the top prospects in the 2019 NBA draft.
Morant hasn't been an elite shooter this season, entering the day making 34.4 percent of his attempts from deep. However, he can be even tougher to defend if he can continue to knock it down from the outside like he did against Florida State.
Ja Morant Got Luka Doncic, De'Aaron Fox DMs After March Madness Triple-Double
Mar 22, 2019
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers drives the ball down court during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Murray State Racers star Ja Morant is already making a name for himself in NBA circles.  Â
The sophomore guard had 17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds in No. 12 Murray State's 83-64 win over the No. 5 Marquette Golden Eagles on Thursday in the West Region's first round of the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
BR Video
According to Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel, Morant said he DM'd with Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox and Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic after the Marquette game triple-double, the first in the tourney since current Golden State star Draymond Green's in 2012. Morant has 422,000 followers on his Instagram account, up from 299,000 before the tournament started.
Morant will likely be calling Fox and Doncic his peers this time next year. While he hasn't declared for the 2019 NBA draft in June, he'll almost certainly strike while the iron is hot.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Morant to be the second overall pick in his most recent mock draft.
Getting on Morant's good side now is smart for Fox and Doncic because he'll be a handful to guard when he arrives at the next level.   Â
Leonard Hamilton Compares Ja Morant to Magic Johnson Before FSU vs. Murray State
Mar 22, 2019
Murray State's Ja Morant (12) during the first half of a first round men's college basketball game in the NCAA tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
The Florida State Seminoles are the No. 4 seed in the West Region, but during their round-of-32 game Saturday, the No. 12 Murray State Racers will have the player who most resembles Magic Johnson.
At least according to Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton.
Hamilton offered plenty of praise for Murray State point guard Ja Morant in advance of their 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament game, per Myron Medcalf of ESPN.com:
"What I notice is he's one of the most exceptional players that I've had a chance to watch play. He's kind of a throwback to guys who have the ability to score points. But also has the passion and the excitement about creating opportunities for his teammates, guys like a Nate Archibald who can lead the NBA in scoring and lead in assists at the same time. A guy like Magic Johnson, who got so much joy making the game easy for his teammates. Even a player like Muggsy Bogues, who has an uncanny way of making things easy for his opponents."
BR Video
Murray State handled the fifth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles in an 83-64 victory in Thursday's first-round game largely because of his skill set. While it was billed as a showdown between Morant and Marquette's Markus Howard that would come down to the final minutes, the Racers left little doubt.
Morant stood out for more than just his ability to slice through the defense. His facilitating was critical in the victory because the Golden Eagles sent doubles his direction for much of the game, but he never hesitated to hit his open teammates.
Morant finished with 17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds on a mere nine field-goal attempts, joining the likes of Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Dwyane Wade and Draymond Green as the only players in NCAA tournament history to notch a triple-double:
The following people have notched a triple-double in a NCAA tournament game.
Oscar Robertson Magic Johnson Gary Grant David Cain Andre Miller Dwayne Wade Draymond Green
Now add one more.
Ja Morant.
— Murray State Racers Athletics (@MSURacers) March 21, 2019
Replicating that effort against a stout Florida State defense won't be easy.
The Seminoles are No. 11 in KenPom.com's pace-adjusted defensive rankings after dealing with superstars such as Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, De'Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy and Cameron Johnson in the ACC all season long.
Morant belongs right with that group and was the No. 2 overall pick in Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman's latest mock draft. He is now a household name and will have a chance to add to his lore by playing his way into the Sweet 16 against an ACC opponent.
Highlights: Watch Ja Morant's Top Plays from Triple-Double in Win vs. Marquette
Mar 21, 2019
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers drives the ball down court during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Ja Morant is considered one of the best prospects in the 2019 NBA draft class. He showed why Thursday as the 12th-seeded Murray State Racers blew out the fifth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles 83-64 in the first round of the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Morant finished with a triple-double (17 points, 16 assists, 11 rebounds). His stat line doesn't include a mention of the thunderous two-handed jam he threw down on Marquette forward Joey Hauser in the second half.
BR Video
Sports Illustrated's Laken Litman noted Draymond Green in 2012 was the last player to have a triple-double in an NCAA men's tournament game. Morant is one of eight players to pull off the feat, per ESPN Stats & Info, joining Green, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, among others.
Not surprisingly, social media was buzzing after Morant's performance:
What Ja Morant is doing today reminds me of when Steph Curry announced himself to the world in the 2008 NCAA tourney, taking down 7th-seeded Gonzaga, 2nd-seeded Georgetown and 3rd-seeded Wisconsin before falling to top-seeded Kansas. Not the same player, but circumstances similar
Ja #Morant is a triple-double in waiting. If this is your 1st time seeing him, this is the ânormalâ Morant performance. His tight handle allows him to maximize an elite 1st step/above-rim finishing ability. But Morant also has a great feel; thrives w/P-R, aka de facto NBA offense
In his most recent mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Morant as the No. 2 pick behind Duke's Zion Williamson.
Supplanting Williamson for the No. 1 overall spot will be next to impossible, in part because the Blue Devils freshman has played on a different level than his competition. He's averaging 22.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 2.2 steals per game.
Still, Morant's draft stock will surge after Thursday's performance.  Â
