Inform them the Butler did it if anybody asks how the San Diego State Aztecs superior to its first Nationwide Championship Sport in program historical past.
Trailing the ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls by one with seconds to go and the clock operating, SDSU’s Lamont Butler nailed the game-winner on the buzzer, capping off a 72-71 comeback win for the ages by the Aztecs.
FAU led 71-70 with 18 seconds to go and possession of the ball. Needing a defensive cease, Aguek Arop stepped up, blocking a Johnell Davis try and set the stage for Butler’s heroics.
In keeping with ESPN Stats and Info, Butler is barely the fifth participant to hit a buzzer-beater within the Ultimate 4, becoming a member of Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs (2021), Villanova’s Kris Jenkins (2016), N.C. State’s Lorenzo Charles (1983) and Marquette’s Jerome Whitehead (1977).
Issues seemed bleak for the Aztecs late, as they trailed the Owls by as many as 14 factors within the second half. San Diego State slowly chipped away at that deficit, although, making their approach again into the sport within the course of. Over the ultimate eight minutes of game-time, the Aztecs held the Owls to solely two subject objectives whereas outscoring FAU 12-6.
SDSU’s sturdy play down the stretch helped them full the fifth-largest comeback in Ultimate 4 historical past.
Matt Bradley led the offensive cost for the Aztecs and was one among two SDSU gamers to complete in double-figures on Saturday, scoring 21 factors within the victory. The opposite to hit double-digit factors was ahead Jaedon LeDee, who completed with 12 factors and 6 rebounds off the bench.
On the FAU facet, Alijah Martin paced the Owls’ effort, posting a game-high 26 factors whereas including seven boards.
With the wild win, fifth-seeded San Diego State advances to Monday’s Nationwide Championship Sport at NRG Stadium, with tip-off scheduled for 8:20 p.m. EST. They may face the winner of Saturday night time’s matchup between Miami and UConn.
