Historic Upset: Fairleigh Dickinson University Makes NCAA Tournament History by Defeating Purdue as a No. 16 Seed

In the heart of March Madness, we witnessed a remarkable turn of events as the second-round matchups were set following a thrilling opening round. This year’s tournament marked an extraordinary moment in NCAA history where Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), a No. 16 seed, shocked the world by defeating Purdue, a No. 1 seed, with a score of 63-58. This victory makes FDU just the second No. 16 seed to achieve such a feat since the tournament expanded its field in 1985. The first team to pull off this historic upset was UMBC back in 2018, when they triumphed over Virginia.

Historically, the odds have not been kind to the 16 seeds. Since the tournament began, there have been only two victories for No. 16 seeds against No. 1 seeds, with FDU joining the legend of UMBC. Many fans had put their trust in Purdue for this matchup, with over 97% of brackets favoring the Boilermakers, due to their towering center Zach Edey, who stands at an impressive 7-foot-4. However, the Knights from FDU had a different plan. They effectively focused on minimizing Purdue’s overall offense instead of just attempting to stop Edey.

Throughout the game, FDU played a smart defense, forcing Purdue into several tough shots and maintaining a solid defensive strategy that limited them to a mere 36% shooting from the field. This performance highlights a growing trend in March Madness: the unpredictable nature of the tournament where anything can happen, especially in the early rounds. In a sport where surprises lurk behind every corner, FDU’s run exemplifies the magical essence of March Madness.

While 16 seeds have historically struggled, other lower-seeded teams have found success in the tournament. Over the years, No. 15 seeds have claimed 11 victories against No. 2 seeds, with a recent run of upsets spanning from 2021 through 2023. Additionally, No. 14 seeds have triumphed over No. 3 seeds 23 times throughout tournament history. Clearly, upsets are a common theme in the NCAA tournament, though the 16-over-1 victory remains one of the rarest.

The excitement of March Madness continues as fans eagerly await the next round’s matchups. Whether it’s underdog stories or powerhouse teams asserting their dominance, the tournament never fails to provide unforgettable moments.