How Fairleigh Dickinson beat Purdue for the most important upset in March Insanity historical past

For the second time in males’s NCAA event historical past, a No. 16 seed has knocked off a No. 1 seed. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights outlasted the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers, 63-58, for the most important upset in March Insanity historical past. Purdue entered the sport as a 23-point favourite after opening as a 25.5-point underdog at DraftKings Sportsbook. The one different time a No. 16 seed beat a No. 1 seed got here through the 2018 event when UMBC defeated Virginia. UVA was a 20.5-point favourite coming into that recreation.

The Knights have been accountable for the sport your complete approach. FDU scored the opening factors of the sport and led for a lot of the first half earlier than going into the break with a one-point lead. A ten-0 Purdue run halfway by the second half momentarily swung the sport in Purdue’s favor, however the Knights ultimately took the lead and held onto it due to their swarming protection.

Purdue received the Large Ten common season championship, and the Large Ten event championship this season. The Boilermakers have been led by 7’4 middle Zach Edey, who’s the heavy favourite to be named Nationwide Participant of the Yr. We ranked Edey as the very best participant in March Insanity coming into the event.

It is a gorgeous lead to each approach. Right here’s what you want to know.

Fairleigh Dickinson was the smallest group within the nation, however they stifled Purdue anyway

The Knights ranked No. 363 out of 363 DI groups in common peak, in response to KenPom. FDU was not precisely identified for its protection, ending No. 359 in defensive effectivity in DI this season.

The Knights didn’t have a participant taller than 6’6 within the rotation, but someway shocked the group led by a 7’4 celebrity at middle. You wouldn’t know Fairleigh Dickinson’s protection was so poor this season watching the sport. FDU held the Boilermakers to 35.8 p.c capturing from the sphere, and compelled 15 turnovers.

Fairleigh Dickinson’s protection was dictating the motion on each possession with traps with straight double-teams. Purdue regarded very hesitant to shoot round Edey, turning down open appears to be like all through the second half. Purdue shot 5-of-26 from three on the evening. FDU had 10 steals to a few for Purdue.

Fairleigh Dickinson’s protection was the most important motive they received this recreation.

Purdue struggled to get the ball inside to Zach Edey, and their shooters went chilly

Edey completed with spectacular numbers — 21 factors and 15 rebounds — however one would suppose a 7’4 middle destined to win the Picket Award would have punished the smallest group within the nation much more. As a substitute, Purdue’s perimeter gamers struggled badly with FDU’s ball strain. They needed to work simply to get the ball throughout halfcourt on most possessions. They took away the entry passes Purdue tried to make to Edey, and infrequently settled for pictures from poor shooters. Edey solely took one discipline objective try within the final 12 minutes of the sport.

Freshman guard Braden Smith shot 1-of-6 from three. Ahead Mason Gilles shot 1-of-7 from three. Different Purdue shooters have been too scared to even let it fly.

It’s simple in charge Edey for this loss because the supposed greatest participant within the nation, however Purdue’s greater situation was none of his teammates coming to play.

Fairleigh Dickinson didn’t even win their convention event

The Knights misplaced to Merrimack, 67-66, within the Northeast event title recreation. They needed to beat Texas Southern within the play-in two days earlier simply to pressure this matchup with No. 1 Purdue.

FDU went 10-6 in convention play this yr. They’d a 20-15 file coming into the sport towards Purdue. FDU went 4-22 final season.

It’s the primary time a group from the Northeast Convention has ever received a males’s NCAA event recreation.

Fairleigh Dickinson coach Tobin Anderson advised his group they might beat Purdue in a viral clip

He was proper.

Purdue punched a gap of their whiteboard after the loss

Fairleigh Dickinson’s win over Purdue is being hailed as the most important upset ever

The place is Fairleigh Dickinson?

FDU performs on the Rothman Middle in Hackensack, New Jersey, on the Teaneck/Hackensack campus.

The Knights now play No. 9 Florida Atlantic within the spherical of 32.