March Madness is always exciting for college basketball fans, especially when new and unexpected teams enter the national stage. While the top players in the country certainly bring plenty of excitement, the underdogs capture our hearts. This year, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, who have made only seven appearances in the NCAA tournament, took to the court as a No. 16 seed against top-seeded Purdue.
To make matters even more challenging, the Knights had the shortest roster in the Division I league. It was a classic David-vs.-Goliath matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The game was nothing short of a movie script as the odds were stacked against FDU, the Knights defied expectations and pulled off a stunning upset, winning 63-58. It was only the second time in NCAA tournament history that a No. 16 seed had beaten a No. 1 seed, making it one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history. Even more impressive, it marked the first time the Knights had advanced to the second round in program history.
Did you know Fairleigh Dickinson University has two campus location right here in Vancouver, British Columbia?
Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver Campus offers students one of the few opportunities to earn an American college degree while studying in Canada. All degree programs offered at the Vancouver Campus have been authorized by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education. Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver Campus welcomes students from around the world to create a culturally diverse learning environment. Vancouver offers resources to students who need additional support in developing their English-language skills before starting degree studies.
Recounting the game, Michael J. Avaltroni, Ph.D. , Interim President of FDU puts it best, “Call it fate, divine intervention or whatever you choose … it seems that amidst many struggles to try and find our identity and break free from being a well-kept secret, the world now knows and understands FDU. Our identity was present there on the court for 40 minutes each game, and it is the same story that has played out since 1942 in the lives of our students, who when given a chance have the capability to transform their lives and the world around them. That is FDU … it always has been and always will be, and now the world finally knows!”