---
"title": "‘Is this really happening?’: Grambling State NCAA Tournament win creates social media buzz"
"description": "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 […]"
"date": "2024-03-21"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "HBCU Sports"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2024/03/21/is-this-really-happening-grambling-state-ncaa-tournament-win-creates-social-media-buzz/"
"categories":
  - "Basketball"
---

# ‘Is this really happening?’: Grambling State NCAA Tournament win creates social media buzz

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](https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson/status/1770621348446167291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> “Hell baby, we GRAMBLING” [https://t.co/5lnh1AD4GO](https://t.co/5lnh1AD4GO)
>
> — Doug Williams III (@dougwms4) [March 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/dougwms4/status/1770617760713712100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> The [@gsutigers\_mbb](https://twitter.com/gsutigers_mbb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS of [@theswac](https://twitter.com/theswac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) with incredible heart comeback from a 14 pt deficit to beat [@montanastate](https://twitter.com/montanastate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 88-81 (OT) in a historic moment to advance in [@MarchMadnessMBB](https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Now they have a date on Friday in Indy with [@BoilerBall](https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) . Will it be a MARCH MADNESS…
>
> — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) [March 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/DickieV/status/1770620097494712350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> The [@gsutigers\_mbb](https://twitter.com/gsutigers_mbb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS of [@theswac](https://twitter.com/theswac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) with incredible heart comeback from a 14 pt deficit to beat [@montanastate](https://twitter.com/montanastate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 88-81 (OT) in a historic moment to advance in [@MarchMadnessMBB](https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Now they have a date on Friday in Indy with [@BoilerBall](https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) . Will it be a MARCH MADNESS…
>
> — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) [March 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/DickieV/status/1770620097494712350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Bayou Classic!!! Grambling State wins first ever NCAA Tournament game! [pic.twitter.com/Tyt4Xvy2dW](https://t.co/Tyt4Xvy2dW)
>
> — Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) [March 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears/status/1770616388702659053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING???
>
> — Grambling State Men’s Basketball (@gsutigers\_mbb) [March 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/gsutigers_mbb/status/1770615495323988427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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?