FAU HC explains how Owls shut down K-State on final possession

Florida Atlantic Owls center Vladislav Goldin, center, reacts as he holds the East Regional Champion trophy Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

FAU HC explains how Owls shut down K-State's Markquis Nowell on final possession

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/25/23

The No. 9 Florida Atlantic Owls stunned No. 3 Kansas State on Saturday, keeping their unbelievable run going into the Final Four.

FAU denied the Wildcats and go-to scorer Markquis Nowell a final look at the basket with seven ticks left on the clock to secure the victory. Following the biggest win in program history, FAU head coach Dusty May revealed to NCAA.com's Andy Katz how his team contained the K-State star when it mattered most.

"Our guys are pit bulls," May said. "He saw so many different bodies, so many different looks. Their determination, their togetherness, did it."

FAU closed all windows and doors, cutting off Nowell as he crossed halfcourt. Nowell dished the basketball to Ismael Massoud, who Owl defenders immediately surrounded until the buzzer sounded.

BELIEVE IT! THE FAU OWLS ARE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR! pic.twitter.com/XqPETOb4vH
— CBS Sports College Basketball (@CBSSportsCBB) March 26, 2023

After trading the lead throughout the second half, the Owls held an eight-point advantage, 72-64, with 2:44 left before the Wildcats went on a 12-5 run to cut the deficit to one, 77-76, with nine seconds to go. After a foul and two free throws from Michael Forrest, FAU shutdown K-State's final look to preserve the win.

Four Owls finished in double-figures on Saturday, including Alijah Martin (17), Bryan Greenlee (16), Vladislav Goldin (14), and Johnell Davis (13).

Meanwhile, Nowell scored a game-high 30 points, adding 12 assists and three rebounds. Nowell is only the fourth player to post 30-plus points and 10 or more assists since 1984, per ESPN Stats and Info.

Void of even one NCAA Tournament win only a few weeks ago, FAU has topped No. 5 Duke, No. 16 Farleigh Dickinson, No. 4 Tennessee, and now the third-seeded Wildcats.

The Owls now await their opponent in the Final Four. FAU will play the winner of Sunday's Elite Eight matchup between No. 5 San Diego State and No. 6 Creighton.

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