The new "Kings of the SWAC," No. 16 Grambling State, erased a 14-point second-half deficit to rally and defeat No. 16 Montana State, 88-81, in overtime. Donte Jackson's team made an 18-6 run at 13:49 in the second period during the comeback.
The game had ten lead changes, as the G-Men extended their biggest lead by eight points with 22.5 seconds remaining. After the Tigers win the First Four matchup with the Bobcats, they will meet No. 1 Purdue in Indianapolis.
Guard Jimel Cofer had a career night, scoring 19 points and grabbing rebounds during the victory. His dazzling performance must be put in perspective, as Cofer averaged 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season.
"I just know my team has my back," Cofer said. "Anybody on this team can get hot at any time. It was just my night." At one point, he had a six-point streak in the second half. Also, the 6-4 Sophomore did not play in the G-Men's win over Texas Southern to claim the SWAC Tournament title. Jourdan Smith and Antwan Burnett added 19 points each while hitting big free throws in the extra period.
"We gotta get to the road, pack up, figure it out, start on film. And worry about how we can throw the whole house, the kitchen, the whatever, the backyard, and Zach Edey. We just got to figure it out."
Grambling was down 42-33 at halftime but overscored the Bobcats 39-30 before heading into overtime. Montana State shot 51.7% from the floor compared to 50% by the SWAC Champs. GSU had the free-throw advantage, scoring 18 of 23 (78.3%) to MSU's 8 of 15 from the charity stripe.
Robert Ford III led the Bobcats with 26 points (six treys) and six rebounds for Montana State in the losing effort.
The Purdue Boilermakers (29-4) will host the Grambling State Tigers (21-14 in the first round of the Midwest Region 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at 6:25 PM CT on TBS.
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