Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh’s win over Duke nominated for ESPY Award
6/27/2012 4:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh men's basketball's thrilling NCAA Second Round win over Duke has been nominated for the ESPY “Best Upset,” as announced on Wednesday. Short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, the 20th ESPYS are set for Wednesday, July 11 at 9 p.m. ET, live on ESPN. This year's event will take place at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles with host Rob Riggle.
Fans can help choose the winners by voting online at ESPN.com/ESPYS. For a direct link to vote for “Best Upset,” please click here. The ESPY Nomination Special airs Wednesday night (June 27) at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
The Mountain Hawks used a sensational all-around effort from the opening whistle to defeat Duke, 75-70. In doing so, they became only the sixth #15 seed to ever beat a #2 seed and second in the same day (Norfolk State defeated Missouri just hours earlier). Junior C.J. McCollum led the way with 30 points as Lehigh never trailed by more than five and were leading for much of the game. The Mountain Hawks' largest lead came in the final minute (eight) as the squad always had answers for the Blue Devils' runs.
“I consider it an honor and privilege to be nominated for a very prestigious award that covers all of sports,” said Lehigh head coach Brett Reed. “It's a privilege to be able to share the spotlight with tremendous athletes and wonderful teams. The nomination alone is a great source of pride for our program and one in which I know our student-athletes will be enthused about.”
The Mountain Hawks are one of four teams competing for the “Best Upset” award, along with Norfolk's State's upset of Missouri, Iowa State's win over Oklahoma State in football and the Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup Championship run.
“Due to the visibility of such a high honor and the fact it takes center stage, the ESPYS provides a tremendous opportunity for our basketball program and academic institution to gain a great deal of notoriety and recognition,” said Reed. “I believe the continued recognition only enhances the connection our alums feel to the university and the credibility of our program on a national stage. It's a wonderful way to honor and recognize all those who have contributed so greatly to make a moment like this possible.”
Tickets for the 20th ESPYS are available for the event through Ticketmaster by clicking here.
Check back to Lehighsports.com for continued news and notes leading into the 20th ESPYS on July 11.
Like Lehigh Men's Basketball on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive content, team updates and more. Be sure to tag @ESPYS and #ESPYS when tweeting about the event.
MHT EP7 - Men's Basketball
Friday, February 06
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Basketball
Thursday, January 29
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Basketball
Wednesday, November 12
2025-20226 Lehigh Men's Basketball Season Preview
Thursday, October 30
