Fairleigh Dickenson Scores Huge Upset Over Purdue in NCAA Tournament

Fairleigh Dickenson University almost didn’t make it to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Knights finished second in the Northeast Conference standings and lost the Conference Tournament to Merrimack by one point. But Merrimack is transitioning from Division II to Division I, and was ineligible for the NCAA tournament according to the rules. So, the Knights, with a record of 20-15, got the bid.

Fairleigh Dickenson had to play in one of those First Four play in games to begin the tournament. The Knights defeated Texas Southern in that one 84-61. The Knights, a #16 seed, advanced to play the East Region #1 seed, Purdue.

Five years ago, Maryland-Baltimore County became the only 16th seed to beat a #1 in the NCAA Tournament, topping Virginia. On March 17th, Fairleigh Dickenson became the second, beating the Boilermakers 63-58 in one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. The Knights did it with defense, playing a press defense against the taller Boilermakers. Purdue center Zach Edey scored 21 points and had 15 rebounds, both game highs for either team. Sean Moore scored 19 to lead FDU.

Fairleigh Dickenson will face #9 Florida Atlantic in the second round. Purdue has to be thinking of ways to change their luck in the tournament. Two years ago as a #4 seed, the Boilermakers lost to #13 North Texas in the first round, and last year as a #3 they lost in the Sweet Sixteen to #15 St. Peter’s. One ray of hope: after Virginia lost to Maryland-Baltimore County in 2018 in the only other 16 seed upset, the Cavaliers regrouped and won the National Championship in 2019.