Minnesota Player Triggers Emotional Comeback Win Two Days After His Mom's Death
Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Dupree McBrayer played basketball Wednesday under the most trying of circumstances.
Tayra McFarlane, McBrayer’s mother, died of cancer Monday, two days before Minnesota played 24th-ranked Nebraska in a Big Ten showdown. She was just 58.
McBrayer took the court in honor of his mom and played a big role in sparking the Gophers to an 85-78 comeback win. Minnesota had been down double digits in the second half, but McBrayer’s 3-pointer with 4:40 to play cut Nebraska’s lead to three points, 71-68.
It sparked a 17-7 run by Minnesota that resulted in the win.
Last night’s comeback win for @GopherMBB was kickstarted by Dupree McBrayer’s 3-pointer.
Last night’s win was for Tayra. ? pic.twitter.com/nT2HdToCP6
— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) December 6, 2018
“I’m proud of him,” said Minnesota coach Richard Pitino, fighting back tears after the game. “To do that when you lose your mom at this age, that’s really, really hard, so I’m proud of him.”
Heartbroken To Say The Least .. Woke Up Thinking Yesterday Was A Dream But It Finally Hit Me. Reality Sets In And My Mother Is Gone. With Cancer Taking Her Away From. RIP Momma And I Hope To Make You Proud Everyday ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rEhfX6LIiM
— Dupree McBrayer (@InPree_WeTrust) December 4, 2018
McBrayer wrote “RIP Mom” on his sneakers, as did his teammates.
Prayers for @InPree_WeTrust. I remember when she made me drink a budweiser and eat lasagna at 10 am on Dupree’s in home visit. One of the coolest, most supportive moms I have ever had. Please show Dupree why this community is so special Gopher fans. #RIPTayra ??
— Richard Pitino (@CoachPitinoMN) December 4, 2018
It was an emotional game for both teams. After the game, McBrayer’s teammates and coaches hugged him, as did players and coaches on Nebraska, including Huskers head coach Tim Miles.
Dupree McBrayer has shown true strength in the midst of grief Wednesday as the @GopherMBB senior took the floor two days after losing his mother to cancer.
Both Minnesota and Nebraska paid tribute to Dupree’s mother throughout the evening: pic.twitter.com/zPN9NCufOe
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 6, 2018
There was a moment of silence for McFarland before the game, and Nebraska players wore shirts during warm-ups that said “RIP Tayra” as a show of great sportsmanship.
One B1G family. ❤️@HuskerHoops is wearing special warmups tonight in honor of Dupree McBrayer’s mom who recently lost her battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/jFxdP3hG7e
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 6, 2018
McBrayer tweeted his appreciation to Miles and Nebraska after the game.
Thank You !!! I Appreciate You Guys So Much @CoachMiles @HuskerHoops
— Dupree McBrayer (@InPree_WeTrust) December 6, 2018
McBrayer also got a note from Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, who lost his mother to cancer earlier this year.
“I know what you’re going thru … I lost my mother recently the same way. Keep striving for greatness and know both of our mom’s are with us every step of the way. Make her proud!” Smart tweeted.
Kudos to both schools, their players and coaches. It was a really great way for both teams to handle a difficult situation for the young man.
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