Twitter Fell in Love During Penn State's NCAA Tournament Opener

Penn State turned Twitter on its side Thursday with a 76-59 win over Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Penn State's first tournament victory since 2001 included a legendary performance from Andrew Funk (27 points on 8-10 from 3-point range) and Jalen Pickett's All-American night (19 points, eight assists, seven rebounds).

Social media became Lions fans Thursday. We'll see if that continues Saturday, when Penn State meets second-seeded Texas in the second round.

First, the history.

Penn State gets its first men's NCAA Tournament win in 22 years‼️ @PennStateMBB pic.twitter.com/MlFg3tckfI
— ESPN (@espn) March 17, 2023

Then, ESPN's Dick Vitale chimed in.

Fans in Texas that were hoping to see TEXAS vs TEXAS A & M forget about it unless a miracle takes place as the Nittany Lions r dominating the Aggies 69-48 with 4 plus minutes remaining .Stock of Penn St Coach Mich Shrewsberry @Coach_Shrews on the Rise Baby !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 17, 2023

Penn State's official football account renamed March for basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry.

January. February. Shrewsberry. https://t.co/40wjC0oWX1
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 17, 2023

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein continued lobbying for Shrewsberry and an extension. The Penn State coach discussed that before the tournament.

In the past five days, Penn State won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time in 22 years and nearly won the Big Ten Tournament.

If the school likes winning, it should get a long-term deal done with Micah Shrewsberry ASAP. https://t.co/xSR1RCk8ta
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 17, 2023

Former Penn State player Lamar Stevens joined the conversation.

I love how we sharing the ball and sharing the game! Fun ball to watch
— Lamar Stevens (@LamarStevens11) March 17, 2023

At one point, Funk was a trending topic.

ANDREW FUNK FROM THE LOGO 🤯pic.twitter.com/KTp1TACa1j
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 17, 2023

ANDREW FUNK!!!!
— Lamar Stevens (@LamarStevens11) March 17, 2023

The best three point shooters in the history of basketball (in no particular order):

• Stephen Curry
• Steve Kerr
• Ray Allen
• Andrew Funk pic.twitter.com/TeS8kfVAAD
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) March 17, 2023

ANDREW FUNK, AMIRITE? #WeAre | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/z4Lsi1QEpY
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) March 17, 2023

WE ARE A BASKETBALL SCHOOL🔥
NEXT UP THE REAL TEXAS🤫 pic.twitter.com/5aFMKbVYUz
— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) March 17, 2023

And, of course, Dez Bryant called it.

I got Penn state beating A&M
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) March 16, 2023

Penn State Football on SI.com

Penn State Basketball on SI.com

Penn State routs Texas A&M for first NCAA Tournament win since 2001

Penn State takes Day 1 lead at the NCAA Wrestling Championships

Micah Shrewsberry addresses future at Penn State before NCAA Tournament

Penn State's an NCAA Tournament team to watch, analyst says

Believe: Penn State returns to the NCAA Tournament

Time for Penn State to make basketball a priority

Penn State basketball's secret weapon: 'Booty Ball'?

Jalen Pickett is Penn State's first All-American since 1955

This winter, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has been eager to make himself uncomfortable

Penn State lands 4-star cornerback from Philadelphia

James Franklin delivers an invitation, and a call to action, to Penn State's Board of Trustees

How Jalen Pickett became Penn State's Batman

Penn State plans 'major renovation' of Beaver Stadium

For Penn State, a new alignment breeds playoff hopes

Penn State Trustees approve $7.5 million in upgrades to football practice facilities

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.

Read More