(Photo : (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)) EW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 5: Head coach Dusty May of the Florida Atlantic Owls reacts to a play throughout the first half of a sport towards the Illinois Fighting Illini within the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2023 in New York City. Illinois defeated FAU 98-89.
The Florida Atlantic Owls (25-8 and 14-4) are again within the large dance after a historic run to the Final Four a season prior.
The Owls went on an enormous run final season, defeating No.9 Memphis earlier than profitable towards Fairleigh Dickinson, Tennessee, and Kansas State.
Their miracle season ended towards San Diego State within the Final Four, however now they’re again and are hoping to recapture the magic; this time towards Northwestern in Brooklyn within the first Round.
Dusty Maye and FAU might have what it takes to go the space and look to make one other spectacular run, primarily based on their play throughout the season and AAC Tournament.
FAU Going Into March Madness
This group is by no means a darkish horse. Throughout the season, they’ve already proved that they’ll grasp with a few of the greatest within the nation.
They completed the common season robust, profitable towards Memphis, UNT, and Tulane earlier than shedding their heartbreaker within the AAC Tournament towards the Temple Owls.
They picked up wins earlier within the season towards groups in -12 opposition in Arizona (then No. 4) and Texas A&M (then No. 12).
Johnell Davis has had a powerful season all issues thought of for the Owls. He is averaging 18.2 factors, 6.3 rebounds, and three.0 assists per sport; posting stellar performances within the AAC Tournament towards UNT and Temple, dropping 18 factors towards each groups.
Related Article: NCAA Tournament Dark Horse: The Drake Bulldogs Are Poised for a Run
Florida Atlantic’s Next Test
Florida Atlantic will probably be examined towards a group like Northwestern.
The Wildcats have had a powerful season ending fourth within the Big Ten, tying their season file of wins within the division; and even handing No.1 Purdue their first loss.
The Wildcats made it to the No.7 seed final season earlier than being knocked off within the Round of 32. They wish to construct off their success from a season prior heading into this 12 months’s NCAA Tournament.
Boo Buie solidified himself as a participant to observe in changing into a member of the Big Ten All-First group.
This matchup looks like a toss-up, as each golf equipment are proficient. However, FAU’s expertise within the event would possibly put them excessive.
Both NCAA groups need to make an announcement and show they’ll make a deep run within the Tournament this 12 months.
Florida Atlantic and Northwestern have seen restricted success within the event, with the Wildcats having two appearances previous to this 12 months and the FAU having three.
Read More: NCAA Tournament Dark Horse: Texas A&M Aggies Have History on Their Side
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce with out permission.