Sports
VCU's Martelli Jr. achieves NCAA upset with father watching
Phil Martelli Jr., coach of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), led his 11th-seed squad to an upset victory over No. 6 North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. The win was especially meaningful as his father, legendary coach Phil Martelli Sr., was present to witness the achievement.
Phil Martelli Jr. and VCU opened the NCAA Tournament by defeating North Carolina. Martelli Jr. is in his first year with the Rams. His father, Phil Martelli Sr., is a legendary coach. Martelli Sr. famously guided Saint Joseph's to an undefeated regular season. Saint Joseph's also made an Elite Eight run in 2004. The elder Martelli's Hawks became one of the tournament's most iconic Cinderella stories.
Key Facts
- VCU, led by coach Phil Martelli Jr., upset North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament.
- The VCU Rams are an 11th seed team.
- North Carolina was a number 6 seed.
- Phil Martelli Sr., a legendary coach, is the father of Phil Martelli Jr.
- Martelli Sr. was present at the game to see his son's victory.
- Martelli Sr. led Saint Joseph's to an undefeated regular season and Elite Eight run in 2004.
- The Saint Joseph's Hawks became a Cinderella story under Martelli Sr.