December 26, 2024

No. 9 FAU Downs No. 3 Kansas State, Books First Spot in Final Four

Kansas State #KansasState

© Provided by Sports Illustrated

The Owls are headed to their first ever national semifinal after taking down the Wildcats in Madison Square Garden.

Florida Atlantic kept its Cinderella season alive with a thrilling Elite Eight win over Kansas State.

On the sport’s biggest stage at Madison Square Garden, the No. 9 seed Owls won the East Regional, advancing to the Final Four for the first time in school history. After taking a 42–38 lead into halftime, the Owls held on in the second half to earn a 79–76 win.

Florida Atlantic shot a blistering 48.1% from the field and received a balanced effort on offense with four players scoring in double figures. The game was clearly decided on the glass as FAU’s Vladislav Goldin led the way with 13 rebounds, en route to a massive 44–22 edge for the Owls on the boards.

Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell was once again outstanding in a losing effort, scoring 30 points while dishing out 12 assists and swiping five steals.

Florida Atlantic will head to Houston as the first team to punch their ticket to the 2023 men’s Final Four. The Owls will await the winner of Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup between No. 5 San Diego State and No. 6 Creighton.

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