PHILADELPHIA, PA – A school whose mere existence was unknown to most people just two weeks ago has now unquestionably become America’s Team in the NCAA Tournament.
Florida Gulf Coast University made history by becoming the first 15-seed to ever reach the Sweet Sixteen, courtesy of an 81-71 victory over 7th-seeded San Diego State. The Eagles will now gear up for an intrastate showdown with the Florida Gators on Friday night in Texas, for the right to advance to the Elite Eight.
The Eagles put five players in double-figures, led by Bernard Thompson’s 23 points. Brett Comer added 10 points and 14 rebounds for FGCU, while Jamaal Franklin paced San Diego State with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Eagles shot a blistering 56% from the field, and dazzled the Wells Fargo crowd with an array of fast break alley-oops and spectacular dunks. The victory maintains the Eagles’ unique distinction – for however much longer it may last – as the only school in the nation with an undefeated record (2-0) in the NCAA Tournament.
Scott Graham and John Thompson called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(McKnight throws down a vicious alley-oop to break tie)
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(Tapley heats up for Aztecs, who grab 33-29 lead)
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(Fieler then goes airborne as FGCU cuts deficit to four)
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(Another pair for Fieler as Eagles grab lead, and crowd goes crazy)
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(Sherwood Brown buries a three as the FGCU lead grows to six)
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(Fieler scores again to cap off FGCU 16-0 run in second half)
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(McKnight brings the crowd to their feet again in final minutes)
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(It’s Thompson’s turn to join the dunking display for FGCU)
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(Florida Gulf Coast University makes history with 81-71 victory)
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(Postgame interview with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Andy Enfield)
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(Philadelphia wrap-up with Scott Graham and John Thompson)
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For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.
