Grambling State entered the NCAA Tournament as a cute little footnote embedded among the March Madness storylines.
But after the Tigers beat Montana State 88-81 in an overtime thriller on Wednesday night in Dayton for the program’s first-ever tournament win, the basketball team transformed — at least on social media — into the story.
The reaction on X, formerly known as Twitter, was overwhelming, from NBA Hall of Famers to national TV broadcasters. Here is a sample of what was said about Grambling State:
Congratulations to Coach Jackson, his staff, the players, and President Lamelle of Grambling State for advancing to play in the NCAA tournament in an 88-81 victory over Montana State! 🎉
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 21, 2024
“Hell baby, we GRAMBLING” https://t.co/5lnh1AD4GO
— Doug Williams III (@dougwms4) March 21, 2024
The @gsutigers_mbb GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS of @theswac with incredible heart comeback from a 14 pt deficit to beat @montanastate 88-81 (OT) in a historic moment to advance in @MarchMadnessMBB Now they have a date on Friday in Indy with @BoilerBall . Will it be a MARCH MADNESS…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 21, 2024
The @gsutigers_mbb GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS of @theswac with incredible heart comeback from a 14 pt deficit to beat @montanastate 88-81 (OT) in a historic moment to advance in @MarchMadnessMBB Now they have a date on Friday in Indy with @BoilerBall . Will it be a MARCH MADNESS…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 21, 2024
Bayou Classic!!! Grambling State wins first ever NCAA Tournament game! pic.twitter.com/Tyt4Xvy2dW
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 21, 2024
IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING???
— Grambling State Men’s Basketball (@gsutigers_mbb) March 21, 2024
Grambling has little time to breathe and bask in the glow of their big win as No. 1 seed Purdue awaits in the first round on Friday.
What would the reaction be if Grambling is able to keep their dancing shoes on for another day?