BOULDER, Colo. - After a second big upset in a second postseason tournament during its Division I history, the Norfolk State men's basketball team will move on to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The No. 8 seed Spartans travel to Colorado to take on the No. 4 seed Buffaloes on Monday night at 9 p.m. EST in a live ESPN2 broadcast at the CU Events Center.

The Spartans knocked off No. 1 seed Alabama on Wednesday night in overtime, 80-79, seven years after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 15 seed against No. 2 seed Missouri. Colorado defeated No. 5 seed Dayton in its NIT first-round game on Tuesday at home.

Media Coverage
The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, with Roxy Bernstein and Caron Butler on the call. It can be seen through the WatchESPN app as well.

The game will also be broadcast live on Hot 91.1 FM with Ross Gordon on play-by-play. Live audio is available through hot91.nsu.edu:8000/128. The audio feed is also available through www.TuneIn.com or the TuneIn Radio App (search for "WNSB").

Fans can follow along with the live stats.

Series History
NSU and Colorado have played one time in their history, a 67-56 victory for the Buffaloes on their home court on Nov. 27, 1997 in NSU's transition year into Division I. It is the only game the Spartans have ever played against a Pac-12 team.

Scouting Colorado
The Buffaloes improved to 22-12 this year after defeating No. 5 seed Dayton in the NIT first-round matchup, 78-73 on Tuesday night at home. Colorado went 10-8 in Pac-12 play this year. The team averages 74 points per game while allowing 68, thanks in part to nearly 46 percent shooting overall from the floor.

Tyler Bey is a big reason Colorado is +6.5 on the glass. He averages 13.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, shooting 54 percent from the floor. McKinley Wright tallies 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Shane Gatling (10.1 points) leads the team in total 3-pointers (58). D'Shawn Schwartz (9.1 points), Lucas Siewert (9.1 points, 5.1 rebounds) and Evan Battey (8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds) are a few other names who can fill up a stat sheet.

The Buffaloes are -1.0 in turnover margin for the season and only force approximately 12 per game. They do get to the free throw line, making 16 per game while shooting 75 percent from the charity stripe. Teams are only shooting 32 percent from 3-point range against Colorado as well.

Major Wins
The win over Alabama marked one of the biggest wins in NSU's Division I history. Along with the victory over Missouri in the 2012 NCAA tournament, 86-84, the Spartans also defeated TCU that year in the Paradise Jam, although it was a member of the Mountain West at the time. Now a member of the SEC, Missouri was in the Big 12 in 2012.

The next biggest victories over major opponents as a D-I program are wins over Atlantic-10 members Richmond and Rhode Island.

NIT History
The Spartans made history against Alabama, earning their first win ever in the tournament in their second appearance. It was also the fourth win by a MEAC team and the first since the NIT went to its current format of 32 teams in 2007. Maryland Eastern Shore (1974), Coppin State (1995) and Delaware State (2006) also won games in the NIT.

It was also the eighth win by a No. 8 seed over a No. 1 seed since 2007. In first round games during that time, eighth seeds are now 8-44 against first seeds.

NSU played at Virginia in the 2013 NIT, losing 67-56 in the first round game.

Postseason History
This year, NSU made its seventh postseason appearance in its Division I era (1997-Present), and all have come in the last eight years. It started with the NCAA tournament in 2012 after the Spartans won their first-ever MEAC title. NSU went to the NIT in 2013 after winning the conference's regular season title at 16-0. NSU also faced Eastern Michigan (2014), Eastern Kentucky (2015), Columbia (2016) and Liberty (2017) in the CollegeInsider.com tournaments.

Last Time Out
Norfolk State overcame a 10-point deficit early in the second half on the way to an 80-79 win over Alabama in overtime on the road on Wednesday night in an NIT first round game at Coleman Coliseum. NSU pulled off the upset of NIT No. 1 seed Alabama despite shooting just 37.5 percent for the game. The Spartans sank 11-of-29 from deep.

NSU nearly won the game in regulation after the Crimson Tide made a game-tying 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds to go. The Spartans began the possession with 6.6 seconds left, but a layup and putback attempt both fell off the rim. But Derrik Jamerson Jr. had two 3-pointers in overtime as NSU led almost the entire extra session. Jamerson finished wih 25 points thanks in part to 7-of-13 3-point shooting.

Alabama had one last shot in overtime after getting to within one with 6.1 seconds left. The Spartans turned the ball over on the inbounds pass, but a last second baseline shot for the Crimson Tide only caught the front iron of the rim. The second half featured nine lead changes, including eight in a six-minute span. NSU was also +13 on the glass in the second half.

Season Trends
 • The Spartans secured their second-ever MEAC regular season title this year, joining the 2012-13 team that finished 16-0. NSU finished the year with the second-most wins ever in MEAC play (14) next to that undefeated season. In 2013, their only other time as a No. 1 seed in the tournament, the Spartans were upset in the quarterfinal round by Bethune-Cookman in overtime, 70-68.

 • The Spartans also secured a 20-win season this year, their fourth since joining Division I. They had 26 wins in 2011-12, 21 in 2012-13 and 20 in 2014-15. The game at Colorado will be the team's 36th on the season, tied for the most ever with the 36 games played in 2011-12.

 • The Spartans are currently hitting 36.9 percent from deep, a pace that would top the D-I record of 35.9 percent set last year. With 274 3-pointers, they passed the previous school record of 254 set last year as well. Since the win over UTEP, a span of 23 games, the Spartans are shooting 39.2 percent from 3-point range (195-of-498).

 • At 74.1 points per game, NSU is on pace for its highest scoring average since the 1999-2000 season (76.0) and the third highest in the D-I era. Its +4.7 scoring margin is also on pace to top the previous D-I best of +3.9 set in 2014-15. In addition, the team's 71.6 percent clip from the free throw line currently stands as the third-best in the D-I era behind the second-best mark of 72.0 in 2003-04.

 • The Spartans also surpassed the school's D-I records for points (previously 2,494), field goals (879) and field goal attempts (2,015), and the school's overall records for 3-point attempts (previously 707) and personal fouls (712). Their 560 free throws and 782 attempts are the second most in the D-I era, and their 1,281 rebounds stand as the third-most.

 • NSU's 11 3-pointers at Alabama marked the eighth time this year the Spartans have knocked down double-digit treys in a game.

 • NSU is outscoring teams 16.4 - 14.3 in points off turnovers, 27.7 - 24.7 in points in the paint, and 8.3 - 5.9 in fastbreak points on the year. NSU is also averaging 11.8 second-chance points and 9.8 fastbreak points the last 9 games.

 • The Spartans have forced 16.3 turnovers with 7.3 steals the last 4 games, including a season-high tying 12 steals at Alabama. NSU has had just 11.5 turnovers per game during that time.

 • NSU has had the same amount or more fouls than the other team in 25 of 35 games (+2.0 per game).

 • In 27 of 35 games, the Spartans have scored the same or more points in the second half than the first (+7.9). They shoot better in the second half (46.9 - 40.2), as do opponents (42.8 - 38.7). NSU is also -1.1 on the glass in the first half and +1.5 in the second, and the Spartans force 8.5 turnovers in the first half compared to 7.0 in the second.

Player Facts
Derrik Jamerson Jr.
 • 2nd-Team All-MEAC and 2nd-Team NABC All-District 15
 • Ranks 1st in the MEAC in 3-point field goal % (51.4), 3rd in 3-point field goals per game (2.6), 6th in field goal % (50.8) and 18th in scoring (10.7)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 1st in 3-point field goal % (57.6), 2nd in 3-point field goals (3.1), 7th in field goal % (53.8) and 16th in scoring (12.8)
 • Stands 1st in the nation in 3-point field goal % (51.4, 2.5 percentage points ahead of the No. 2 player) and No. 91 in 3-point field goals per game (2.63)
 • Ranks 3rd all-time at NSU in 3-point field goal % (45.5), 5th in 3-point field goals (167) and 7th in 3-point field goal attempts (367)
 • In NCAA D-I active career leaders, stands 5th in 3-point field goal % (45.5) and No. 200 in 3-pointers (167)
 • Ranks 1st in NSU D-I single-season and overall records in 3-point field goal % (51.4), 1st in D-I and 2nd in overall season records in 3-pointers (92) and 9th in D-I and 11th in overall season records in 3-point attempts (179)
 • Made 7-of-13 from deep at Alabama, tying his career-high for makes; Finished 1 short of tying school record of 8; Marked 22nd career game with at least 4 treys, 13th with at least 5 and 3rd time hitting 7 in a game
 • Scored 25 points at Alabama for 8th career 20-point game

Nic Thomas
 • 2nd-Team All-MEAC
 • Ranks 4th in the MEAC in 3-point field goals per game (2.5) and 3-point field goal % (39.4), 7th in free throw % (81.2) and 8th in scoring (14.4)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 2nd in free throw % (87.1), 6th in 3-point field goals (2.7) and 3-point field goal % (43.2) and 7th in scoring (15.5)
 • Stands No. 60 in the nation in 3-point field goal % (39.3), No. 119 in 3-point field goals per game (2.52), and No. 129 in free throw % (81.2)
 • Stands 5th all-time at NSU in free throw % (80.5), 10th in 3-point field goals (120), 12th in 3-point field goal attempts (326) and 14th in 3-point field goal % (36.8)
 • Ranks 2nd in NSU D-I single-season and 3rd in overall records in 3-point field goals (83), 3rd in D-I and 4th in overall records in 3-point field goal attempts (211), 9th in D-I records in free throw % (81.2) and free throws (125), and 14th in D-I records in 3-point field goal % (39.3) and free throw attempts (154)
 • Averaging 4.3 rebounds last 8 games
 • Tied career high with 4 steals at Alabama
 • Tallied career-high 30 points against South Carolina State, shooting 5-of-10 from deep; Marked 10th career 20-point game and 12th career game with at least 4 3-pointers
 • Program's 1st 30-point game since Jonathan Wade had 31 on Jan. 28, 2017

Steven Whitley
 • 3rd-Team All-MEAC
 • Ranks 7th in the MEAC in steals (1.5), 8th in assists (4.0), 10th in assist-turnover ratio (1.4) and defensive rebounds (4.4), 19th in rebounds (5.1) and 26th in scoring (9.7)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 4th in assists (5.1), 8th in assist-turnover ratio (1.6), 9th in defensive rebounds (4.9), 11th in steals (1.2) and 17th in rebounding (5.7)
 • Stands No. 152 in the nation in assists (4.0) and No. 188 in steals (1.45)
 • Ranks 6th all-time at NSU in assist average (4.33) and 13th in assists (286)
 • In NCAA D-I active career leaders, ranks No. 127 in assists (323) and No. 401 in rebounds (413)
 • Ranks 7th in NSU D-I single-season records in assists (132) and assist average (4.00)
 • Averaging 15.0 points last 3 games and 6.8 rebounds last 12 games
 • Has 9 steals last 2 games, including a career-high 5 against North Carolina Central
 • Had season-high 24 points against Howard (3/15), 5th career 20-point game

Jordan Butler
 • 3rd-Team All-MEAC; Became the 8th Spartan player to earn all-MEAC honors twice (including all-rookie team)
 • Ranks 1st in the MEAC in blocks (2.0), 9th in defensive rebounds (4.5), 10th in rebounds (6.5), 11th in offensive rebounds (2.0) and 12th in free throw % (77.1)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 3rd in blocks (1.9), 7th in free throw % (81.8), 10th in defensive rebounds (4.9) and 11th in rebounds (6.7)
 • Stands No. 41 in the nation in blocks (1.97) and No. 245 in free throw % (77.1)
 • Second all-time at NSU in blocks (228), 5th in games played (128) and 18th in rebounding (728)
 • In NCAA D-I active career leaders, ranks 5th in blocks (228), No. 36 in block average (1.78), No. 54 in rebounds (728) and No. 131 in games played (128)
 • Ranks 6th in NSU D-I single-season and overall records in blocks (63)
 • Averaging 2.4 blocks last 5 games
 • Had 11 points and season-high 13 rebounds, including career-high 8 offensive boards, in career-high 40 minutes at Alabama; Marked 10th career double-double and 20th career 10+ rebounding game

Alex Long
 • Ranks 8th in the MEAC in field goal % (48.6) and 11th in blocks (0.8)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 9th in field goal % (50.0)
 • Stands 1st all-time at NSU in games played (133), 4th in blocks (129) and 35th in points (1,045)
 • In NCAA D-I active career leaders, ranks No. 51 in games played (133) and No. 96 in rebounds (645)
 • Had 11 rebounds at Alabama; 9th career 10+ rebound game
 • Made 1st career 3-pointer against Howard
 • Finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds against Delaware State for 2nd double-double this year and 7th in his career

Mastadi Pitt
 • Named to MEAC All-Tournament Team after averaging 15.0 points, 4.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 3 games
 • Ranks 14th in the MEAC in assists (2.8), free throw % (76.1) and 3-point field goal % (32.5) and 23rd in scoring (9.7)
 • In MEAC games only, ranked 28th in scoring (10.0)
 • Averaging 14.1 points on 41-of-94 shooting, 3.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists last 8 games
 • Had career-high 6 rebounds against Howard (3/15)
 • Played in career-high 37 minutes against South Carolina State

C.J. Kelly
 • MEAC All-Rookie Team
 • Named to MEAC All-Tournament Team after totaling 13 points in the championship game
 • 6th career 10-point game with 13 against North Carolina Central; Tied career high with 2 assists in career-best 27 minutes

MEAC Rankings
The Spartans sit 1st in the MEAC in field goal percentage defense (40.6), 3-point field goal percentage (36.9) and blocks (4.3), 2nd in scoring margin (+4.7), defensive rebound percentage (71.3) and 3-point field goals (7.8), and 3rd in scoring offense (74.1) and defensive rebounds (26.5).

National Rankings
On a national level, Norfolk State ranks No. 18 in total free throw attempts (782), No. 23 total free throws made (560), No. 24 in turnovers forced per game (15.69), No. 30 in field goal percentage defense (40.6), No. 57 in blocks (4.3), No. 59 in 3-point field goal percentage (36.9), No. 74 in defensive rebounds (26.54), No. 89 in won-lost percentage (62.9), No. 94 in 3-point field goal percentage defense (32.9), No. 97 in scoring margin (+4.7), No. 112 in rebounds (36.60), No. 118 in turnover margin (+1.1), No. 122 in scoring defense (69.3), No. 128 in scoring offense (74.1) and No. 144 in free throw percentage (71.6).