WKU & BYU pull off huge comebacks in Day 1 of tournament

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers turned up their full-court press and overcame a 16-point deficit in the last 5 minutes with a stunning 59-58 victory over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. Even with a below .500 record, WKU pulled off the biggest comeback in the final 5 minutes of a tournament game in NCAA history. The previous one was Illinois overcoming a 15-point deficit in the last 5 minutes to beat Arizona, 90-89 in overtime in a regional final in 2005.

With the win, #16 Western Kentucky will now move on to face #1 Kentucky in the South region this Thursday night at 6:50 pm.




In another history-making night, Noah Hartsock scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half to help the BYU Cougars came back from 25 points down to beat the Iona Gaels, 78-72 in the first round. It marked the biggest comeback in an NCAA tournament history. Previously, the largest deficit to overcome was 22 points when Duke fought back to beat Maryland, 95-84 in the 2001 national semifinals.

#14 BYU will now look to face #3 Marquette in the West region this Thursday afternoon at 2:45 pm.