When a #5-seeded team goes against a #12-seeded team, it is generally safe to say that the odds are stacked against the #12 seed. Well, that was the opposite of what happened tonight. Number 12-seeded University of Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans, going in, had little to no chance of beating the 5th seeded Purdue Boilermakers of the Big Ten.

Purdue led early, but Little Rock pulled to within three at halftime. However, as the 2nd half started, Purdue would pull away. With about 4:10 left in the game, Purdue led by as much as 14. Purdue had close to a 95% chance of winning. However, as the time wound down, the Boilermakers fell apart. UA-Little Rock pulled to within three with about 10 seconds left to go in the game. Just when we thought Purdue was going to escape with the victory, Josh Hagans, who scored 31 points in the contest nails a three pointer from the beginning of the logo at half court to send the two teams into OT. Hagans would score 11 of his 31 points in the final 4 minutes. Overtime went back and forth, and once again, the two teams would be tied again at 75. The Trojans would go up by five in double OT and Purdue would have to foul. Little Rock would eventually squeak out the win in double OT 85-83.

Little Rock made a name for themselves in this game. Right now, the Trojans are 31-4 which ties them with the Kansas Jayhawks for the best record in Division I basketball…but they were still an unknown team. The team that is known as a “melting pot,” certainly got on the map now as they defeated a “big dog” in Purdue. They will face #4-seeded Iowa State on Saturday in Denver.