Video: Peter Hooley Hits Inspirational Three-Point Shot to Send Albany to NCAA Tournament

There’s a reason why they call this time of year “March Madness” in college basketball and if you were watching Albany‘s Peter Hooley on Saturday afternoon–you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Hooley hit an incredible three-point shot with just over one second left to give Albany a 51-50 victory over Stony Brook to not only win the America East Championship, but punch a ticket to next week’s NCAA tournament. This marked the second-straight year that the Great Danes defeated the Seahawks in the championship game, but this year’s win has more of a special meaning with Hooley and his game-winning shot.

During the regular season, Hooley missed eight games with Albany so he could be in Australia with his mother–who unfortunately passed away at the age of 52 back in January after battling colon cancer. It’s been no secret how important Hooley has been for Albany this season, but to hear this story after his game-winning shot on top of how the team and community rallied together in support will certainly bring tears to your eyes.

Of course, no reaction to Hooley’s game-winning shot was better than his sister’s, Emma Hooley, on Twitter following the game. Grab your tissues because when you start reading Emma’s reaction tweets to her brother’s shot–it will bring tears to your eyes and remind you why this is such an awesome time of the year in college basketball.

So so so proud of you @PeterHooley12 I’m speechless! I know one angel who is smiling down on you big time right now

— Emma Hooley (@emhooley) March 14, 2015