RALEIGH – Mercer coach Bob Hoffman thought his Mercer Bears were destined for the NCAA Tournament in 2013, prior to being upset in its conference tournament by Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles went on to play the role of Cinderella in last season’s dance through March Madness. This year, Hoffman and the Bears returned the favor, upsetting Florida Gulf Coast in the same championship game. On Friday, the Bears shocked the basketball world by knocking No. 3-seed Duke from the Round of 64.
Hoffman has seven seniors, too. With that experience, the Bears will be a tough out in Sunday’s matchup with No. 11-seed Tennessee who has worked a little upset magic of its own, winning a First Four battle against Iowa and getting past No. 6 Massachusetts on Friday.
Scott Graham caught up with Hoffman ahead of Sunday’s game.
(Listen to Coach Hoffman’s interview with Scott Graham.)
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