The secret snack that powered Little Rock's stunning NCAA tournament upset
Every year the NCAA tournament produces no shortage of new-found stars, guys who are relatively unknown a week (or in some cases, a day) before the tournament starts, only to morph into March legends when the games begin.
That certainly was the case Thursday, and this year's "out of nowhere" star was undoubtedly Little Rock's Josh Hagins. He scored 31 points, including a crazy step-back three-pointer to force overtime, in the Trojans wild, double-OT win over Purdue.
THIS IS MARCH! #MARCHMADNESS https://t.co/0P2NOYpVj6
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 17, 2016
At times it seemed like Hagins had super powers, and if that's the case, well, they came from an unlikely place: cinnamon ice cream. Hagins had never once eaten the sweet concoction prior to Little Rock's arrival in Denver but had some on Tuesday night. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to have it again Wednesday.
And after the Trojans' wild win Thursday, he planned to do the same, according to a great, behind-the-scenes piece on Little Rock from Sports Illustrated. "If you've never had it," Hagins said, "it's a fantastic flavor."
It certainly is, and it certainly was a fantastic day for Hagins, a senior who stuck with the program even after the team won just 13 games last year. This year, the Trojans have won 30 games, none bigger than Thursday's upset over Purdue.
By the way, did we mention that Thursday was also Hagins 22nd birthday? We can imagine the celebration was wild -- and it almost certainly included his new favorite treat.
