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Prairie View A&M Secures Historic NCAA Tournament Win

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Prairie View A&M Panthers earned their first NCAA Tournament victory, 67-55 over Lehigh Mountain Hawks in Dayton, Ohio, on March 18, 2026.
Dontae Horne scored 25 points, and Cory Wells had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Nasir Whitlock finished with five points.
Coach Bryan Smith credited a reshaped roster for the turnaround, and Prairie View A&M has won eight straight entering the tournament, setting up next round against Florida.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 NCAA Tournament marked a pivotal expansion to 64 teams, enhancing competition and visibility for smaller programs. Villanova's stunning victory over Georgetown, 66-64, became one of the tournament's greatest upsets, showcasing the potential for underdog teams to succeed. This shift in dynamics has since allowed teams like Prairie View A&M to achieve notable victories, reflecting the evolving landscape of college basketball.

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Story summary

The Prairie View A&M Panthers earned their first NCAA Tournament victory, 67-55 over Lehigh Mountain Hawks in Dayton, Ohio, on March 18, 2026.
Dontae Horne scored 25 points, and Cory Wells had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Nasir Whitlock finished with five points.
Coach Bryan Smith credited a reshaped roster for the turnaround, and Prairie View A&M has won eight straight entering the tournament, setting up next round against Florida.

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