VIDEO: https://wach.com/sports/content/the-greats-of-sc-state-1995-1996-mens-basketball-team

(WACH)- It was a virtual reunion of one of SC State's greatest men's basketball teams of all-time.

Seniors of the 1995-1996 team came together via Zoom with WACH FOX's Matt Dowell to relive a season they'll never forget.

This Bulldogs team was 22-8 on the year, lost just twice in conference play, and won the MEAC tournament title that year.

Their chemistry was undeniable on and off the court... a togetherness that included shaving their heads before the championship game.

"One guy was cutting his hair and messed it up," SC State forward Jamal Brown said. "We all decided to join in and coach was upset that we were late, but we were late together."

Cy Alexander, coach of that year's squad, said, "To do what they did... win three consecutive tournament games, with as much that was on the line, by double digits... that tells you just how laser focused they were."

In the conference tournament, they beat Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T to get to the title game.

Going into the final against Coppin State, a game they would win by 13, they knew it was meant to be.

"We were a very tight group of young men that just had one common goal," SC State guard Jay Joyner said. "Going into the game, it was easy. We just wanted to win the game."

"It was a 'win it all or nothing' thing for us," SC State small forward Miguel Burns said. "We had to win that championship because we just knew we were better."

24 years later, the bond of that season is still there, as the memories of a championship victory will never fade.

"You don't know how many times I wake up and I see the deaths and what's going on in Chicago and I think about Derrick (Patterson)," SC State guard Eric Fernandez said. "I'll be like 'Dang, I hope Derrick is okay...'"

Derrick Patterson, forward on that year's team, said, "I think I"ll always remember these guys. They're gonna always be part of my life. Those years were some great times for me."

Their season didn't end with the conference title either.

Earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, the Bulldogs were the 15-seed in the West region.

And, even though they fell in the first round to Kansas, it was a monumental achievement for the program.

The 1995-1996 SC State men's basketball team has also been inducted into the SC State Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
1995-96 South Carolina State Bulldogs Roster and Stats

• Record: 22-8 (14-2, 1st in MEAC)
• Coach: Cy Alexander.
• PS/G: 72.0 (165th of 305)
• PA/G: 64.2 (28th of 305)
• SRS: -5.26 (198th of 305)
• SOS: -13.08 (304th of 305)
• NCAA Tournament: (#15 seed in West) Lost West First Round (92-54) versus #2 Kansas.