(CNN) Fairleigh Dickinson University did something on Friday that has only been done once before.
The 16th-seeded Knights defeated No. 1 Purdue University 63-58 to advance to the second round. NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Down by three points with less than ten seconds left, Purdue hoisted a three-point shot but missed the opportunity to tie. The Knights then made two free throws on the opposite end.
It was only the second time in NCAA men’s tournament history that a 16th seed defeated a No. 1 seed. In 2018, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County He became the first to complete the streak against the Virginia Cavaliers.
Knights head coach Tobin Anderson was speechless on the court following the win.
“We’re confident in what we’re doing and our guys are very tough and competitive,” Anderson told the TNT broadcast. “I love our guys. They’re tough. They’re great. They worked their tails off. It’s an unbelievable win. It’s unbelievable. We shocked the world.”
FDU players celebrated the historic feat together on the field. Purdue players and fans watched in complete shock at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Boilermakers big man Zach Eddy, who was previously named one of the semifinalists for Naismith Player of the Year, finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
The Knights made this year’s tournament after a turnaround season in which they finished with a 20-15 record. Last season, FDU finished with a 4-22 record.
The 15-win increase from last season was the second-best improvement in Division I men’s basketball behind Southern Mississippi.
The Knights are just the second Northeast Conference school in NCAA Tournament history to advance to the second round. Iona did that in 1980 — but the school’s success has since vacated.
FDU will play next Sunday, facing the winner of the game between Memphis and Florida Atlantic.
