In a stunning upset, the Fairleigh Dickinson University’s men’s basketball team beat Purdue, the No. 1 seed, during the opening match of the NCAA tournament. It was an historic moment, as only one other 16th seed team had ever beaten a No. 1 seed in the March Madness tournament’s history.

The game was an intense match-up from the beginning, with FDU holding their own against the favored Purdue team. Head Coach Greg Herenda’s strategic plays kept the team in the game, allowing them to pull ahead in the final minutes of the game, ultimately winning with a final score of 85-82.

The victory was particularly sweet for FDU, who had not won a game in the NCAA tournament since 2019. This year’s team, however, is not to be underestimated, and their win has solidified their place in the tournament.

When asked about the win, Coach Herenda attributed it to the team’s hard work and determination. “We believed in ourselves, and we battled until the very end,” he said in a post-game press conference.

The team’s next challenge will be facing off against Gonzaga on Saturday, March 20th. Though Gonzaga is a formidable opponent, FDU is riding high off of their upset win against Purdue and will be looking to continue their winning streak.

Fans of the underdog team are eagerly looking forward to seeing what Herenda and his players have in store for their next game, hoping to witness another historic upset.