Danero Thomas helps Murray State score the upset at the buzzer

Murray State scores the second big upset of the day with a buzzer beating jump shot by Danero Thomas. Vanderbilt is upset as the four seed for the second straight time, and the game was won by the second chances.

Murray State was seven of 13 from the 3-point line, and they finished with 35 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive glass. They missed a shot with ten seconds left, but they were able to get the ball back with four seconds, which led to the game winner.

Thomas scored 11 points, and he may have had the shot of the first round. Murray State needed a player to step up with the game on the line, and they couldn’t get the ball to Isaac Miles. It didn’t matter. Thomas set up his own jump shot with a ball fake.

Vanderbilt lost due to the poor shooting. They shot 43 percent from the field, and they only hit four 3-pointers. From the free throw-line, they were only 17 of 29. They had the lead late, but the missed shots kept up with them.

Murray State wins at the buzzer 66-65 over Vanderbilt.

Murray State hits the 3-pointers and only turn it over four times; Another upset may be brewing

March Madness has had some great games so far, and Vanderbilt and Murray State are continuing the trend. The underdog Murray State has controlled the game, because they are shooting well and winning the battle on the offensive glass.

Murray State had eight offensive rebounds, and they were five of nine from beyond the arc. Vanderbilt shot 42 percent from the field, but Murray State shot 50 percent.

Murray State needs to continue to hit the 3-pointer, and they have done well with protecting the ball, only committing four turnovers. These are two factors that help teams complete the upset. They ended the first half on a 12-5 run by making shots and not giving Vanderbilt easy buckets. They also were given some second chance opportunities by winning the offensive rebound battle. They must continue to battle down low.

Vanderbilt will need to defend the 3-point line. Murray State was able to get some penetration, and it opened up some outside shots. If Vanderbilt can protect the paint, they can contest some shots and force Murray State to beat them by making the tough ones. They must stop Murray State from getting second chance opportunities. Murray State 36, Vanderbilt 32.