Prairie View A&M University made history on Wednesday night by securing its first NCAA Tournament victory. The Panthers triumphed over Lehigh with a score of 67-55 in the First Four match held in Dayton, Ohio.
Prairie View A&M’s Road to Victory
Dontae Horne was the standout player for Prairie View A&M, scoring 25 points and contributing seven rebounds along with four steals. Cory Wells also played a crucial role, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Bryan Smith expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “Definitely gratifying.”
Game Highlights
- Prairie View A&M improved to a record of 19-17 this season.
- They were a No. 16 seed in the South Region.
- The team will face defending champion Florida in the next round.
- Lance Williams added 10 points and played a vital defensive role against Lehigh’s leading scorer, Nasir Whitlock.
Lehigh’s Struggles
Lehigh’s leading scorer, Nasir Whitlock, who was the Patriot League Tournament MVP, struggled throughout the game. He was scoreless for over 26 minutes and ended the game with just five points, shooting 2-of-15. Coach Brett Reed acknowledged the challenges Whitlock faced against Prairie View A&M’s defense.
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Dontae Horne | 25 | 7 |
| Cory Wells | 19 | 11 |
| Hank Alvey (Lehigh) | 23 | 15 |
Future Matchup
Prairie View A&M has now won eight consecutive games, including a victory in the SWAC championship. Their journey through the tournament continues as they prepare to challenge Florida. The Panthers look to build on this momentum in what promises to be an exciting match.
