Omaha Mavericks' trash (can) turns into treasure with program earning its first March Madness bid

FILE - Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 100-64.

FILE - Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 100-64. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)


2 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Mavericks' vision was making the NCAA Tournament when it announced 14 years ago it would move from Division II to Division I. Circumstances seemed less than ideal for the breakthrough to happen this season. Top scorer Frankie Fidler transferred, the Mavs were picked eighth in the nine-team Summit League and were 4-9 following a 32-point loss at Iowa State. They've won 18 of 21 entering their game against St. John's on Thursday. Motivation for the season-ending run came from an assistant coach's idea to beat up a trash can in the locker room.

Photos

Most recent College stories

Related topics

CollegeNational Sports
Eric Olson

    SPORTS NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Newsletter Signup

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button