BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – From 19 points down to a 6-point lead – and a wild ride in between – App State's rollercoaster First Four game against Norfolk State ended as a 54-53 loss, narrowly preventing the Mountaineers from earning the program's first NCAA tournament victory.
The defenses for both the Sun Belt Champions and MEAC Champions clamped down in the waning moments of the contest as neither team converted a field goal over the final three minutes.
Adrian Delph's two made free throws gave App State a 53-52 lead with 1:03 remaining, but after the teams traded missed jumpers, Norfolk State's Devante Carter drew a foul in the lane and made both free throws with eight seconds left.