No. 9 Florida Atlantic Downs Kansas State, Books First Spot in Final Four
Florida Atlantic kept its Cinderella season alive with a thrilling Elite Eight win over Kansas State.
On the sport’s biggest stage at Madison Square Garden, the No. 9 seed Owls won the East Regional, advancing to the Final Four for the first time in school history. After taking a 42–38 lead into halftime, the Owls held on in the second half to earn a 79–76 win.
Florida Atlantic shot a blistering 48.1% from the field and received a balanced effort on offense with four players scoring in double figures. The game was clearly decided on the glass as FAU’s Vladislav Goldin led the way with 13 rebounds, en route to a massive 44–22 edge for the Owls on the boards.
Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell was once again outstanding in a losing effort, scoring 30 points while dishing out 12 assists and swiping five steals.
Despite turning the ball over 22 times, FAU won its 11th consecutive game. Once again the scrappy Owls did all the little things needed to win as a team and for their efforts they were treated to cutting down the nets at the world's most historic arena, while adding another chapter to their own historic journey.
In only the program’s second trip to the NCAA tournament trip in school history, Florida Atlantic has now won 35 games this season under head coach Dusty May.
Florida Atlantic will head to Houston as the first team to punch their ticket to the 2023 men’s Final Four. The Owls will await the winner of Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup between No. 5 San Diego State and No. 6 Creighton.
