Grambling Tigers Get Big Time 88-81 Win in Overtime During First Four Matchup

Last night, the Grambling Tigers put on a spectacle as they defeated the Montana State Bobcats 88-81 in overtime during one of the two First Four matchups of the night. The Tigers will face their toughest challenge during the first round of the 2024 March Madness Tournament. In the Round of 64, Grambling will play the first-seeded Purdue Boilermakers of the Midwest region. Let’s look into how the Tigers got this huge overtime win. 

During the first 20 minutes of action, Montana State held a nine-point lead going into the locker room. Throughout the second half, Grambling did everything they could to make this game competitive and stay afloat. Well, the Tigers did just that as they outscored the Bobcats by nine points in that second half, which pushed this game into overtime. Grambling went on a 16 to nine run in overtime to capture an 88-81 win. Grambling’s rebounding was the difference maker in this matchup. The Tigers pulled down 44 rebounds compared to the Bobcats 29. Also, while Grambling shot almost 80 percent from the free-throw line, Montana State made about 50 percent of their free throws. 

Off the Tigers bench, Jimel Cofer scored 19 points and grabbed two rebounds. Both Jourdan Smith and Antwan Burnett dropped 18 points each in Grambling’s overtime win. Bobcats forward Robert Ford III dropped a game-high 26 points along with grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. Brian Goracke scored 15 points in Montana State’s loss.