You’re not going to find many moments more quintessential of March Madness than what happened in Friday’s thrilling game between Northern Iowa and Texas. From start to finish, the Panthers and Longhorns put on one of the more entertaining games in this early tournament. And that’s saying something since Friday was full of first round upsets.
A back-and-forth affair all night, UNI had a two-point lead with 11 seconds left. However, Panthers guard Wes Washpun missed the back-end of a one-and-one, allowing Longhorns guard Isaiah Taylor to hit the tying layup with just under three seconds remaining.
That’s when things got extra crazy. The Panthers had a timeout to spare, but instead of getting across halfcourt and calling it to set up a play, senior guard Paul Jesperson went for the heave. And, lo and behold, it went in off the glass.
Here’s the shot again. Simply unbelievable:
Naturally, UNI’s bench reaction was priceless:
Northern Iowa player with the crutches ? pic.twitter.com/BL4LvK9DoJ
— TexasTechHoopsFans (@TTUHoopsFans) March 19, 2016
On a day in which No. 14 Stephen F. Austin bested No. 3 West Virginia and No. 15 Middle Tennessee ousted No 2 Michigan State, Northern Iowa’s buzzer beater was an ending best saved for last. If this is what the 2016 NCAA tournament has in store, the next fews weeks are going to be superb.
