On March 31st, 2017, an overtime buzzer beater was the perfect ending to one of the greatest upsets ever. Mississippi State ended UConn’s 111 win streak in Dallas at the Final Four semifinal. No one outside of the MSU fanbase and the basketball program itself believed that it could be done. The bulldogs were the biggest underdog but they showed up and showed out.
After a 38-98 blowout loss to UConn the year prior in the Sweet 16, the Bulldogs had a lot to prove. They came back the next year and dramatically redeemed themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball.
Morgan William hit the shot that will go down in history.
A sold out American Airlines Arena crowd saw what became the best moment many basketball fans have ever experienced. Everyone was on their feet counting down the final seconds in overtime. The shot went up and for a split second everything was silent. We all watched as the ball flew through the air and make its way into the basket. The buzzer went off and the crowd went nuts.
As the UConn players made their way to their bench and locker room, the Mississippi State team ran onto the court. Jumping and screaming while hugging one another in disbelief. They had taken down the Huskies and were on their way to the programs first ever national championship game appearance.
The game was wild and many different emotions were expressed.
The first half was filled with nerves, first time jitters and excitement. But somehow the dawgs did not let emotions get the best of them. They came out strong during the first quarter leading 22-13 and UConn realized quickly that it would not be an easy battle. Just when everyone thought that MSU had adjusted, UConn came and outscored the bulldogs 15-14 after during the second quarter.
At the half MSU lead 36-28 and had some momentum in their favor. After a good second quarter from UConn, Mississippi State had to regroup and settle down. The game itself took a lot of work and the Bulldogs were not backing down. They showed relentless effort and made a statement that they were not going to go out without a fight.
With six minutes left in the third quarter, UConn gained its first lead of the game and was trying to make a comeback. MSU never let up though, they kept pushing and did not allow for UConn to pull away. Throughout the whole fourth quarter the score went back and forth. UConn would score then the bulldogs would answer with shot of their own. The 40 minutes were up and the score was tied.
Overtime was underway. Five more minutes were added to the clock and we had some free basketball to watch.
Everyone was on their feet and anxiety was through the roof. Again the score going back and forth, no one really taking the lead. As the minutes died down nerves were beginning to emerge. Time was winding down but Mississippi State wanted it badly and they kept pushing. 13 seconds were left in the game and UConn tried to put a shot up but turned the ball over. Mississippi State has the ball for the final shot. Morgan William pulls up takes the jumper and wins the game.
Epic.
Fans were going crazy, everyone in disbelief of what Mississippi State had just done. People from all over were talking about the shot. Pro athletes were tweeting and congratulating the team. It was historic. A moment that will live forever.
Dak Prescott, former MSU football player and current Dallas Cowboys QB1 could not contain his excitement. Jumping up and down, throwing his hat, Dak was the biggest fan there that night. He was interviewed later on with Morgan William and you could see the bond between the two.
“Its family.” -Morgan William
The family atmosphere and all the support MSU got from Dak and all the fans was expressed that night in Dallas. No one believed that it could be done. State fans were alone on Friday night at tipoff. The only ones cheering for the bulldogs were… the bulldogs. But not even halfway through one of the best games ever played, MSU gained thousands of fans from all over.
Millions saw how great the team, coaching staff, and fans were. From then on people knew who we were. The shot put MSU and women’s basketball on the map.
The game that will forever be talked about. To this day Mississippi State is known as the school that ended a four year win streak. Crazy. The best game ever watched. Whether you watched it live or on tv, it was without a doubt one of the best moments ever.
As people were walking out of the arena the famous “Go State” was chanted through the concourse and lobby. You could wrap that Friday night in maroon and white, Mississippi State had taken over Dallas, Texas.
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