BIRMINGHAM, Ala — A year ago Emanuel Sharp watched the NCAA Tournament from the bench.
On Thursday night, the redshirt freshman guard was the one hitting the big shots to help the Midwest Region’s top-seed survive a major scare from 16-seed Northern Kentucky.
Up 41-38 with just under 12 minutes left, J’Wan Roberts threw a cross-court pass to Sharp, who rose up and drained a 3.
On the next trip down the court, Sharp called for the ball and pulled up with his feet on the edge of the midcourt March Madness logo.
Swish.
Minutes later, Sharp hit a tough floater with the shot clock winding down.