SACRAMENTO – Blake Peters, a sophomore defending Princeton, plays classical Spanish guitar, speaks fluent Mandarin and turns out to be as tough as nails when his Tigers get a chance to advance. into the round of 16.
After playing just two minutes of the first half, Peters came on from the bench to ignite Missouri on Saturday, hitting five 3-pointers to block any momentum Missouri looked to muster in the NCAA men’s tournament. .
Peters finished with the highest 17 points of the season, teammate Ryan Langborg had the highest 22 in the game, and the Tigers didn’t have to work to the final whistle of the game, unlike in the loss. their incredible run ahead of second seed Arizona on Thursday.
Instead, as Princeton put the finishing touches to its commanding performance, the chants from the Tigers’ cheers at Golden Center 1 were loud and clear: “Sweet 16! Sweet 16 years old!”
From the 15th seed underdogs to the bullies within two days, Princeton dominated the 7th seed Missouri for most of their 40 minutes in the second round. The school reached the round of 16 for the first time since 1967.
The rare opportunity came true with a dazzling shooting, especially compared to the difficulties Princeton overcame against Arizona. The Tigers tripled their 3-point output from that game – a total of 12 against Missouri, versus 4 against Arizona – and played with poise and presence throughout the game.
Princeton outperforms (44-30) and outperforms (44% to 41%) Missouri. Princeton matched its 3-point total from the game against Arizona within the limits of the first half.
The Princeton players, wearing bows on their uniforms in honor of late Hall of Fame Coach Pete Carril, whose Tigers spirit still carries, had a 14-point lead at a time. in the first half and continuously eased Missouri’s all-court pressure.
Then, in the second half, just as Missouri was threatened, Peters took the place. His first four 3-pointers in the second half gave Princeton a 62-45 lead.
At the perfect moment, Peters hit the spot. Peters, in his sophomore season at Princeton, didn’t get much court time as a freshman. Accordingly, to improve and hopefully get more game time, he went to Israel last summer and helped the team. Team USA wins gold medal at Maccabiah Games.
As he finished the game against Missouri, the other Tigers looked bored, and Princeton’s cheers began to feel the results.
Even the giant scoreboard overhead showing Arkansas’s finish against Kansas in the meantime provided a very brief respite for Missouri. Although Missouri’s cheers made Kansas’ loss a standing ovation, it returned to reality as soon as the wait at the Golden 1 Arena ended, and before long, Missouri cheers. sit back to celebrate.
