Lehigh University’s Thrilling Victory
In a thrilling display of talent, Lehigh University’s Nasir Whitlock launched a stunning half-court shot as time expired, securing a 69-66 victory over Holy Cross during the opening round of the Patriot League tournament. This exhilarating moment unfolded on March 5, marking the onset of the March Madness excitement in college basketball.
Whitlock’s Remarkable Performance
Whitlock’s remarkable performance included a total of 29 points, shooting 11-of-24 from the field and successfully landing 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. His critical contributions late in the game were pivotal; he executed a driving layup to even the score at 66 with just 11 seconds left on the clock and subsequently forced a turnover from Holy Cross. This pivotal steal allowed Lehigh to regain possession with a mere 2.1 seconds remaining, leading to his memorable half-court shot that sealed the game.
Mountain Hawks’ Comeback
Despite entering the final stretch of the game down by six points, the Mountain Hawks rallied aggressively, finishing the match with an 11-2 scoring spurt, with all of the points coming from Whitlock. This upset victory comes as Lehigh aims for an NCAA tournament berth, and with Whitlock leading the charge, the team has built impressive momentum.
Looking Ahead
Previously recognized for producing outstanding guards like NBA star CJ McCollum, Lehigh has found a new standout in Whitlock this season, who is averaging 20.8 points per game and boasts a shooting percentage of 43.1% from three-point range. His current performance marks a significant increase from the 10.8 points per game he averaged last year.
Looking ahead, Lehigh is set to face off against Colgate, the No. 3 seed, in the semifinals of the Patriot League tournament on March 8. Colgate has a strong history in the conference, having won the championship and secured automatic NCAA tournament spots in five of the past seven years. Navy, the top seed, will compete against the fourth seed Boston University in the other semifinal matchup.
