FAU Criticized for Actions During Final Seconds of Win Over FDU

Alijah Martin attempted a flashy dunk with the game already over … and missed it.

Florida Atlantic is moving on to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament after its win over Fairleigh Dickinson in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday—but not without some controversy. 

With five seconds left and the outcome no longer in doubt as FAU led 78–70, Owls guard Alijah Martin had the ball with no one defending him. He decided to go for a flashy, 360-degree windmill dunk. Although he missed it, the boos began to rain down at Nationwide Arena in what was poised to be a proud moment for Martin and his team. Not only was the attempted dunk viewed as unsportsmanlike, but failing to make the shot led to an awkward finish. 

It’s unclear whether Martin apologized, but during the handshake line, FAU coach Dusty May appeared to do so to Fairleigh Dickinson coach Tobin Anderson for his player’s antics. 

Florida Atlantic's Alijah Martin tries a huge dunk with the game out of hand in the final seconds and hears boos.

FAU head coach Dusty May appears to apologize to FDU head coach Tobin Anderson, who was upset.🏀 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Is2rIF8GJx

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 20, 2023

Also, an FAU staff member or player appeared to jump to celebrate the dunk attempt and then waved goodbye to the Knights. Not only was this a bad look because it was unsportsmanlike, but the fact that the gesture was made toward a No. 16 seed after a relatively close game made the whole sequence even more embarrassing

Naturally, observers on social media didn’t care for the actions. It was just an ugly finish all around for FAU. 

Class act by Tobin Anderson. Respectable coach. Very classless act by #15 Alijah
Martin for Florida Atlantic. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Jho2LD9tGl

— Hayden Victoria (@RealHaydenVic) March 20, 2023

Shouts to Dusty May on apologizing to Tobin Anderson for that shameful dunk attempt by Alijah Martin. Up eight in the last seconds, there's no need for that. Glad he embarrassed himself by missing it.

— Justin Nicosia (@justinnicosia20) March 20, 2023

FAU was waving goodbye to a 16 seeded team.. man what??? 😭😭😭 https://t.co/q3QRJhMTKZ

— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) March 20, 2023

FAU waving goodbye to FDU? Puddle program mentality.

— Cedar Village Bagel (@CVBagel) March 20, 2023

FAU manager waving goodbye and trash talking shouldve gotten an attitude adjustment

— Ryan Puleo (@RyanPuleo3) March 20, 2023

FAU advanced to the Sweet 16 and will play Tennessee on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York.