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Surviving with Seven: Wagner’s Remarkable NCAA Tournament Journey
When Wagner’s commanding 13-point lead dwindled to a mere one in the last three minutes of Tuesday night’s First Four clash against Howard, coach Donald Copeland maintained his composure, standing by his team littering the court, ready to endure until the final buzzer.
“It’s not far of a look down the bench, right?” Copeland remarked. “You’ve got to be calm.”
Wagner, against all odds, had secured a spot in the NCAA tournament with just seven healthy players. The 16th-seeded squad, known as the Seahawks, continued their journey with the same resilient group after narrowly defeating Howard 71-68, marking the school’s debut NCAA tournament victory.
Copeland’s sensational seven will progress to the West Region where they are set to challenge the No. 1 seed, North Carolina, on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A Triumph Against All Odds
“This is super tough,” guard Julian Brown expressed. “You would never think that we would come into March Madness with seven players and emerge victorious. It’s truly been surreal, it’s been crazy, but we have unwavering confidence in our team.”
Brown displayed remarkable composure by sinking two crucial free throws with 14.9 seconds remaining, pointing to his wrist each time, echoing his admiration for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, known for his clutch baskets.
Against Howard’s valiant effort, Brown’s lead was instrumental in securing a pulsating victory for Wagner, energizing the crowd with his resilience and determination.
Endurance Amidst Adversity
Brown, along with guards Melvin Council Jr. and Javier Ezquerra, played all 40 minutes in the game, showcasing their unwavering endurance. The team, devoid of key players due to injuries, depended on sheer willpower to navigate through challenges and secure pivotal victories.
Council emphasized that the team’s short-handed status did not deter their performance, highlighting their commitment to avoiding overtime. Their sheer determination and focus propelled them forward in the tournament, despite facing numerous setbacks.
Regardless of late turnovers and fatigue, Wagner’s unwavering spirit and resilience guided them to a well-deserved victory, proving that sheer determination and a focused mindset can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Wagner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering belief in the face of adversity, showcasing the true essence of collegiate sportsmanship and camaraderie.
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