Best Reactions to Fairleigh Dickinson's Historic Upset of Purdue
On Friday night, Purdue joined a list that now has two names. The Boilermakers made history, becoming only the second No. 1 seed to lose to a 16-seed in the first round of the NCAA Men's Tournament. Fairleigh Dickinson took down the Big Ten champions, 63-58, in a stunning upset. The Internet exploded with reactions to what was an absolutely incredible result.
Purdue was one of the top teams in the country all season, while Fairleigh Dickinson ranked 275th in KenPom and didn't even win its conference tournament. The Knights got into the tournament on a technicality and had to win a First Four game to even get the chance to play Purdue.
Here's a look at some of the best reactions to Purdue's entering college basketball infamy.
"The more I watch Purdue, the more I think we can beat them."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 18, 2023
Two days ago, FDU head coach Tobin Anderson spoke tonight's win into existence 🔥pic.twitter.com/4koDOJrlj3
Fairleigh Dickinson was a 4-22 team last year that fired its coach and began the season ranked 355th at KenPom.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 18, 2023
We just witnessed one of the most shocking upsets in sports history.
College basketball forever.
WE HAVE A FRIEND NOW
— UMBC Athletics (@UMBCAthletics) March 18, 2023
Purdue's last two NCAA tournament games:
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 18, 2023
- loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter's
- loss to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson
Purdue is the only team to lose to a team seeded 13 or worse in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
— Jeff Rabjohns (@JeffRabjohns) March 18, 2023
Double-digit seed losses by Purdue under Matt Painter:
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) March 18, 2023
16 seed (2023)
15 seed (2022)
13 seed (2021)
12 seed (2016)
11 seed (2011)
A year later, I'd like to make an amendment. https://t.co/MklBJ6Rk5d
— Matt Glenesk (@MattGlenesk) March 18, 2023
FDU's win over Purdue is the BIGGEST UPSET in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 18, 2023
Why?
Unlike UMBC in 2018 or St. Peter's in 2022, FDU did not earn an AQ --- Merrimack did, but was ineligible for the postseason
And unlike UMBC or St. Peter's, FDU came from the First Four.
The rest of the country watching Purdue lose to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson a year after losing to 15-seed Saint Peter’s pic.twitter.com/5AVNZWxWIQ
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 18, 2023
“What you think about Purdue?”
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 18, 2023
FDU: pic.twitter.com/xVx6cngT8Q
A March tradition unlike any other #BoilerFail pic.twitter.com/gnEWvd0f77
— Richie Carter (@fire624) March 18, 2023
Purdue portrait of sadness pic.twitter.com/yAUliYbcie
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) March 18, 2023
Pretty cool that Purdue is able to get another banner though pic.twitter.com/oUg7NmaL2f
— Ben Wittenstein (@BenWittenstein) March 18, 2023
FDU’s Coach after calling his shot against Purdue pic.twitter.com/nzrTYTtaa2
— Mekka Don (@MekkaDonMusic) March 18, 2023
Fairleigh Dickinson ranks 353rd in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and 352nd in 2pt FG Percentage Defense, and Purdue scored 58 points against it. Inconceivable. pic.twitter.com/QWpRvX5U2e
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 18, 2023
Purdue drawing up a play during the timeout pic.twitter.com/MfaIztgRIa
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 18, 2023
Literally the shortest team in the country (FDU) beat the tallest team in the country (Purdue).
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 18, 2023
FDU deserved every bit of this, for sure. But, the degree to which #Purdue was outcoached tonight cannot be overstated. They were tight, they had no answers on the offensive end, and they allowed their unstoppable weapon to be taken completely out of the game. #marchmaddness
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 18, 2023