Florida Atlantic Defeats Kansas State to Reach the Final Four
Al Bello / Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY (PSF) - As a nine seed that has made the Final Four, you might consider the Florida Atlantic Owls to be this year’s “Cinderella” of the NCAA Tournament. However, the Owls expected this success themselves, and they have made an impressive run into the Final Four after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats in the Elite Eight, 79-76.
Florida Atlantic doesn’t play in one of the premier conferences. They play in Conference USA, or C-USA, in which they were picked to finish fifth at the start of the season. They proved pretty early in the season that they were the best team in the conference. A lot of people felt that the Owls were seeded too low as a nine seed as they only had three losses on the season, among the fewest in the nation.
The Owls squared off against a hot Kansas State team in this Elite Eight matchup. The game was close with many lead changes over the course of the game, but in the end, Florida Atlantic was the tougher and better team on the court for that game. The Owls were great at getting to loose balls, outrebounded Kansas State 44 to 22, and shot an impressive 82 percent from the free throw line. These were crucial aspects of their performance that helped them to pull out the victory.
After being down for a stretch in the second half, Florida Atlantic went on a run and took the lead with just over six minutes left. They never let Kansas State back in front. A three-pointer from Cam Carter brought the Wildcats to within one with 24 seconds remaining. They had to foul and Michael Forrest made both free throws for the Owls. Kansas State came back down and scored a two, but had to foul again. Forrest was fouled with seven seconds and again made both free throws. Kansas State wasn’t able to get a shot off on the final possession.
In the same year they won their first tournament game, Florida Atlantic is also heading to the Final Four. The Owls had balanced scoring with four starters scoring double figures. Alijah Martin led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Bryan Greenlee finished with 16 points and four three pointers.
Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell continued his stellar March Madness play with 30 points, 12 assists and five steals. Nae’Qwan Tomlin added 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block. The roads ends just short of the Final Four for the Wildcats.
Nobody ever could have predicted at the start of the season that Florida Atlantic would be just two wins away from a National Title. The Owls will take on five seed San Diego State Aztecs in the Final Four on Saturday April 1st. The winner will face off against the winner of Miami and UConn in the National Championship.
