‘It was a great day’: Mississippi Valley State coach celebrates

• Myron Medcalf, ESPN Staff WriterMar 1, 2024, 06:09 PM ET

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  • Covers college basketball
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2011
  • Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

For almost 4 months, Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils coach George Ivory’s team did not win a game. Through their very first 27 contests, they were 0-27– the only group in college basketball without a victory.On Monday, Mississippi Valley State beat the Meadow View A&M Panthers 57-51. The group’s fans were so happy they ran onto the flooring to celebrate. Ivory kept the ball as a keepsake. The real celebration unfolded in the locker room, where the team dumped containers of water

onto the coach.”You would have believed we ‘d won the national championship,”Ivory informed ESPN.” I entered into the dressing space and they offered me an opportunity to go out my coat. They simply damp me. They damp me up. They thought we had won the champion and they were so ecstatic, so it was really good for them. “Though Mississippi Valley State, a historically Black university in the SWAC, had a hard time to discover a success all season,

Ivory stated he takes pride in whatever his team has accomplished.Editor’s Picks 2 Related The Delta Devils have stood out academically, collecting a 3.0 GPA last term. They have likewise weathered tiredness that couple of programs in

college basketball can understand.In November and

December, Mississippi Valley State played just roadway games. It faced top-ranked groups such as the UConn Huskies, Gonzaga Bulldogs and Baylor Bears in 13″buy games,”where opposing schools offer teams cash to take on in nonconference matchups. Ivory said the games produced$1.1 million for an athletic department that creates about$ 4 million each year. “I thought it was actually, actually hard this year for this team due to the fact that we played one excellent, hard schedule,”he stated.” One thing I tried to remind the guys was staying favorable. It took a lot out of

us. That’s 13 games.”Ivory said he’ll always keep in mind Monday. His players had actually earned that minute, but they deserved appreciation long before the win, he stated.”It was just a joy to coach these young men and see them do all the good things off the court and in the classroom,”he said.” It was really amazing for them to get that win. I thought the student body really got behind them and it was a good day for us.”