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Two groups entered the court docket in Columbus on Sunday evening on the lookout for their college’s first Candy 16 look in historical past.
The No. 9 seed Florida Atlantic Owls are going to go to New York for that, as they defeated No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, 78-70, to cease their Cinderella journey within the NCAA Match.
The FDU Knights got here out sizzling within the second half, outscoring FAU 12-1 after being down seven to take a five-point lead. The sport, a fast-paced bout between each groups, would go back-and-forth, but it surely was FAU that persistently had a solution for the Knights.
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![Demetre Roberts #2 of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights drives to the basket against Bryan Greenlee #4 of the Florida Atlantic Owls during the second half in the second round game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/Demetre-Roberts.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Demetre Roberts #2 of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights drives to the basket in opposition to Bryan Greenlee #4 of the Florida Atlantic Owls in the course of the second half within the second spherical recreation of the NCAA Males’s Basketball Match at Nationwide Enviornment on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Dylan Buell/Getty Photos)
As soon as FDU started to bend, FAU broke them.
Within the ultimate 5 minutes, it was the Owls’ main scorer, Johnell Davis, that took over and made certain their ticket was punched to the Massive Apple. Davis hit two jumpers in a row to place the Owls up, 65-58, and he received to the road for 2 free throws as properly.
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Demetre Roberts, who placed on fairly a present within the second half to steer the FDU Knights, received a bit chilly down the stretch. And after a giant Bryan Greenlee three-pointer to place FAU up eight, Davis received himself a steal on the following FDU drive.
FDU by no means fairly, as Ansley Almonor knocked in a 3 to chop the result in six, however FAU finally hit two extra free throws and held out for the victory.
Davis completed the sport with 29 factors and 12 rebounds for a double-double, whereas taking part in properly on the defensive finish, too. He had 5 steals to steer his staff.
![Grant Singleton #4 of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights celebrates a basket against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the second half in the second round game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/FDU-FAU.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Grant Singleton #4 of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights celebrates a basket in opposition to the Florida Atlantic Owls in the course of the second half within the second spherical recreation of the NCAA Males’s Basketball Match at Nationwide Enviornment on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Photos)
Alijah Martin dropped 14 factors for the Owls, whereas eight whole FAU gamers scored on this recreation. They’re a deep staff that will get contributions from throughout, which is why they have been capable of run with FDU’s hyper-aggressive tempo your complete evening.
Roberts went 8-of-22 from the sector for 20 factors, however he missed 10 of his 12 three-point makes an attempt, which may’ve made a giant distinction. FDU additionally struggled to begin the sport, as they missed some simple alternatives on the rim.
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Sean Moore, the Knights’ Swiss Military knife within the large upset win over No. 1 seed Purdue on Friday, had 14 factors, whereas Joe Munden Jr. had 13 on 5-of-11 from the sector.
The Knights have been making an attempt to turn out to be the primary staff to make it to the Candy 16 as a No. 16 seed. Although they fell brief, they made historical past because the second staff ever to beat a No. 1 seed to advance within the event. It was additionally the Northeast Convention’s first win within the event out of any staff.
![Alijah Martin #15 of the Florida Atlantic Owls celebrates a basket against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights during the second half in the second round game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/Alijah-Martin.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Alijah Martin #15 of the Florida Atlantic Owls celebrates a basket in opposition to the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the course of the second half within the second spherical recreation of the NCAA Males’s Basketball Match at Nationwide Enviornment on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Dylan Buell/Getty Photos)
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In the long run, although, FAU, a staff that’s 32-3 on the yr and having fairly the run, will get able to face No. 4 Tennessee as they hope to maintain their Cinderella goals alive on Thursday.
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