HOUSTON – When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, unless you are a die-hard fan of a participating team, you most likely root for the underdog, right?
With a first-ever NCAA Tournament win, the Texas Southern University Tigers championed over North Carolina Central in a First Four game on Wednesday night. Even with the win, TSU still ranks as the lowest seeded team.
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Because the NCAA Tournament is “all about the upsets, the Cinderella stories,” “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon thought it fitting to encourage the Tigers.
“Texas Southern University, this is for you,” he said during Thursday night’s show.
Posted in front of a row of gym lockers and a TSU logo, Fallon begins the hilarious pep talk.
“TSU, you listening to me,” Fallon said amongst a burst of laughs. “You guys are the best, and you know what, I think you can go all the way.”
Fallon boasted Mike Davis’ decades-long coaching career and him finding the time to coach his kid’s high school basketball team.
Fallon also highlighted Damontrae “Trae” Jefferson, a guard on the team, and Donte Smith, who is also a guard.
“You’re Texas Southern! You’re team southern! You’re America’s team,” Fallon said. “Math might not be on your side, but you know who is? This guy.”
He went on the compare the team to other tigers who have overcome odds, including Tiger Woods and Tony the Tiger.
“Texas Southern you’re great! Now get out there and win that tournament,” Fallon exclaimed as he ended his monologue.
The school thanked him for the pep talk on Twitter.
Thanks for the pep talk, @jimmyfallon! #TSUproud #FallonTonight #MarchMaddness #ncaa @TXSOTigers #texassouthern pic.twitter.com/tFHwM9yljk
— Texas Southern University (@TexasSouthern) March 16, 2018
TSU’s next game in the tournament will be against the Xavier Musketeers at 6:20 p.m.