NEW YORK: Florida Atlantic seized the lead with a 15-1 run in the second half, then fended off a ferocious Kansas State comeback down the stretch to win the East Regional final game 79-76 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The basketball/brownball team from Florida Atlantic is now headed to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.
At 6:09 p.m. on Saturday, No. 9 seed Owls (35-3) had to take on No. 3 seed Kansas State (26-10) in the Final Eight at Maddison Square Garden in New York City.
On Thursday, FAU defeated No. 4 seed Tennessee 62-55 to pull off the largest NCAA Tournament upset in the history of the programme.
The Owls’ first four NCAA Tournament victories in programme history were coached by head coach Dusty May, who is currently travelling to Houston for the Final Four.
Here’s how the Owls defeated Kansas State in March Madness to advance FAU basketball to the Final Four.
3 things to know about the Owls’ post-existence, according to Vladislav Goldin
He hasn’t busted his bracket: Few predicted that FAU basketball would make the Final Four. Senator Rick Scott of Florida is one who did.
K-State was unable to make a last-second shot to level the score as Michael Forrest made four free throws in the final 17.9 seconds to maintain FAU’s lead.
Bryan Greenlee had 16 points, Alijah Martin had 17, and Vlad Goldin had 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead FAU, which improved to 35-3 and made its first-ever Final Four appearance. In his final game for K-State, Markquis Nowell scored 30 points and dished out 12 assists, earning the title of most outstanding player in the regional. Nae’Qwan Tomlin chipped in with 14 points and six rebounds.