New Jersey’s NCAA Tournament underdogs have made a bold statement:
It’s not enough that we’ve shattered your brackets millions of times. Now we’re going to feed them into a shredder, incinerate the remains, mix them with your frustrated tears, and use the ashes to fertilize our Garden State gardens, ensuring we enjoy lush, succulent Jersey tomatoes by summer.
The latest twist: Princeton, having stunned No. 2 Arizona in the opening round, secured its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1967 by decisively defeating No. 7 Missouri 78-63 on Saturday night at Gold 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.
This victory marks the largest margin of triumph ever achieved by a No. 15 seed.
The Tigers’ remarkable win came just a day after No. 16 seed FDU delivered the biggest upset in NCAA Tournament history by toppling No. 1 Purdue 63-58. And we’re not exaggerating—unless it’s about pizza, bagels, or Springsteen, and maybe taxes and traffic.
But the facts speak for themselves: Princeton, set to compete in Louisville next week, is the first Ivy League team to reach the Sweet 16 since Cornell in 2010.
“It’s amazing for our school,” Tigers coach Mitch Henderson commented. “A Sweet 16 means a lot for us. Our players come here to win. It’s the best school in the country, and they’re proud to represent it. We’re thrilled, but not surprised.”
Princeton dominated Missouri from the start, leading 33-26 at halftime and extending their advantage to 18 points with 6:30 left. Guard Ryan Langborg led with 22 points, Blake Peters added 17 with five second-half 3-pointers, Matt Alloco contributed 10, and forwards Tosan Evbuomwan and Caden Pierce each had nine.
Henderson, grinning on the sideline like someone who’s continually dealt blackjack, watched as Princeton out-rebounded the larger Missouri squad 45-29. Despite Missouri’s recent high scoring, they never posed a serious threat.
“We’re seen as two upsets,” Evbuomwan said. “But we believe we belong here. We have strong confidence in each other. There’s no letting up.”
Princeton will face the winner of Sunday’s game between Baylor and Creighton in the Sweet 16 in Louisville on Friday night.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Peters said. “Our fans are incredible, and my teammates are the best. When we believe in each other, anything is possible. It may sound cliché, but it’s true.”
Jersey’s Cinderella stories—FDU and Princeton—are now 4-0 in the tournament. Cinderellas? If Tony Soprano’s crew wore glass slippers while taking down rivals, then yes. Despite Rutgers and Seton Hall missing out on this year’s tournament and getting eliminated from the NIT, New Jersey has had a remarkable basketball run in recent postseasons.
Saint Peter’s made history as the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight last March. Princeton, another No. 15 seed, could match that feat with one more win. FDU, with another victory over Florida Atlantic on Sunday, could join Princeton in the Sweet 16.
Each team has captured the nation in its own way.
Saint Peter’s relied on tough defense, aggressive rebounding, and just enough scoring.
FDU, with its undersized players and a fast-talking coach, has won America’s hearts with its tenacity.
Princeton has stuck to classic basketball fundamentals, favoring patient offense, tight defense, and precise passing, all while maintaining an unwavering attitude.
Coached by Mitch Henderson, who famously led the Tigers to an iconic upset over UCLA in 1996, this year’s team is creating its own NCAA Tournament legacy.
“They’re playing absolutely fearless,” Henderson said. “They’re unafraid of anyone.”