Fairleigh Dickinson stuns Purdue, becomes second 16-seed to ever knock off a 1-seed
Never, ever underestimate David versus Goliath.
Fairleigh Dickinson did the unthinkable Friday night, knocking off 1-seed Purdue to advance to the Round of 32, 63-58. It’s only the 2nd time in NCAA Tournament history that a 16-seed has knocked off a No. 1 seed, joining UMBC’s upset of Virginia in 2018. The Boilermakers, after a 29-5 season and B1G Championship victory over Penn State, are going home early.
Everyone in the country knew the Knights’ game plan heading into Friday night: make Purdue’s guards uncomfortable. And that they did. The Boilermakers turned the ball over 15 times to FDU’s 9 turnovers. On top of that, Purdue’s guards struggled heavily from the field.
Foster Loyer was the only Boiler guard to show up, dropping 13 points. Zach Edey was incredible, but FDU was perfectly fine letting Edey get his.
Truth be told, first-year head coach Tobin Anderson coached circles around Matt Painter. It’s why the Knights are moving on to the second round and Purdue, for the 2nd time in 2 years, is going home early.
FINAL | CAN’T HOLD US! It’s not midnight and this slipper still fits!#reigKNIGHTed | @MarchMadnessMBB pic.twitter.com/gjMXw5bKV4
— FDU Men’s Basketball (@FDUKnightsMBB) March 18, 2023
Fairleigh Dickinson’s tallest player is 10 inches shorter than Zach Edey. The Knights lost 15 games this season, while Purdue lost 6.
How can you not love college basketball?