The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles became the first 15 seed to make it the Sweet 16 after their 81-71 defeat of the San Diego State Aztecs on Sunday.
FGCU isn’t your typical Cinderella. They’ve beaten a two seed in the Georgetown Hoyas and a seventh seed by a combined 20 points.
"We don't take ourselves too seriously," Florida Gulf Coast coach Andy Enfield told the Associated Press. "We try to have fun, get serious when we have to. Our goal was to make history and we did it."
According to the AP, FGCU opened in 1997 and was not eligible to participate in the postseason until last year. Next up for the Eagles is the state powerhouse Florida Gators. The Eagles will play the Gators on Friday night for chance to go to the Elite Eight.
"We tried to scrimmage them early in the season in the preseason," Enfield told the AP. "Now we get our shot."
According to SportsIllustrated.com, the Eagles were able to beat the Aztecs with a 17-0 run over a five and a half minute period in the second half. The Aztecs did not score on 11 straight possessions. Out of eight of those 11 possessions, the Eagles were able to convert.
The Eagles used a big run to beat Georgetown Friday night. They're 21-2 run ultimately led to a 78-68 victory over the Hoyas. The game was capped off by a highlight alley-oop dunk, something the Eagles have become famous for.
FGCU, which has donned the name “Dunk City”, is celebrating every game in style. According to ESPN, after the game the whole team joined in a “bird dance” and even threw Enfield in the air.
"We want to get out and run," point guard Brett Comer told the AP. "We're just having so much fun.
"I know I can say for all the players, this was the biggest game for us. None of us have played on this stage. We are blessed to be here," he said.
Comer finished the game with 10 points and 14 assists. Guard Bernard Thompson had 23 points on 9 of 15 from the field.
Aztec Guard Jamal Franklin scored 20 points in the loss.