Florida Atlantic Mar 23, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls guard Brandon Weatherspoon (23) and guard Alijah Martin (15) yell as they react in the game against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
College BasketballBy Arthur Weinstein on

The Florida Atlantic Owls are making believers out of many fans.

The No. 9 seed Owls are moving on to the Elite Eight after a stunning 62-55 win over the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers Thursday.

Remember, this is a team playing in only its second NCAA Tournament after starting the basketball program 30 years ago.

But after wins over Memphis, Fairleigh Dickinson and now Tennessee, the Owls are still alive. Now 34-3, perhaps college basketball fans should not be surprised that this upstart program from Conference USA is advancing.

When TBS Sports’ Allie LaForce asked FAU head coach Dusty May after the game to describe his team, he kept it simple.

“They love to compete, they love the game and they love each other,” May said.

There might be someone out there who picked FAU to advance to the Elite 8. Perhaps a kindly old grandmother who randomly filled out a tournament bracket, saw their nickname, and said, “I like owls, I’ll pick them.”

For everyone else, FAU’s journey to the Elite Eight has been a surprise. ESPN notes they are only the fourth team since 1985 to reach the Elite Eight after entering play with no tournament wins in school history.

The college basketball world saluted the Owls after their big victory.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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