Even as the Florida Atlantic Owls kept winning in the NCAA Tournament, many fans kept waiting for them to falter.
Those naysayers will have to wait at least another week now. The No. 9 seed Owls knocked off the No. 3 Kansas State Wildcats, 79-76 Saturday to punch a ticket to the Final Four.
The outcome remained in doubt until the final seconds, as Kansas State tried to get off a potential game-tying 3-point shot, only to be stymied by FAU’s defense.
THE FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS ARE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR! 🏀🦉#MarchMadness #FAU pic.twitter.com/k3OHw1BNjQ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 26, 2023
Kansas State held a 63-57 lead with just under 9 minutes remaining and kept threatening to pull away, but FAU responded under pressure down the stretch.
In a tournament that has made history for upsets that knocked out all the No. 1 seeds, FAU entered Saturday’s play as the only true Cinderella remaining. Florida Atlantic only launched its basketball program 30 years ago. Making only its second NCAA Tournament this year, the Owls had never won a game on the big stage.
Now, they’re 4-0 in the tournament, have an NCAA-best 35-3 record this season, and may finally be silencing the skeptics who remain out there. Many fans pointed out that, in hindsight, the tournament selection committee seeded Florida Atlantic far too low. Once again, a sign that the Owls have been fighting for respect all season.
College basketball fans saluted Florida Atlantic on social media, and also relished the fact that the national title game will feature at least one true underdog program.
At the end of November, Florida Atlantic's odds of winning the national title was +250,000.
With their win over Kansas State today, Florida Atlantic just became the first team to PUNCH their ticket to the Final Four 🤯🤯
What a story.pic.twitter.com/LVbkzx0QAy
— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) March 26, 2023
Either San Diego State, Creighton, or Florida Atlantic will play in the title game. That’s freaking awesome.
— David Lauterbach (@Lauterbach__) March 26, 2023
Sports Illustrated ranked Florida Atlantic #109 in the preseason. Seven spots ahead of them were the Georgetown Hoyas, who went 7-25.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 25, 2023
Basically every Florida Atlantic NCAA Tournament game is absolutely glorious. I love this team so much. Both KSU and FAU just play such aesthetically beautiful, pro-style basketball and I love it.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 25, 2023
I never once in my life considered that Florida Atlantic would make a Final Four. This is truly incredible.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 26, 2023
they only have 3 loses on the year. I don’t know how it was possible that they’re a 9 seed
— Saki🇺🇦 (@Vivian25879573) March 26, 2023
