So, for those keeping score at home — most of you, hopefully, because this was very exciting and worth keeping track of the score! — one of FAU, San Diego State and Creighton will be playing for a National Championship on April 3 in Houston.
No Jim Nantz Cougar Homecoming. No Alabama Controversy. No Tom Izzo, Jon Scheyer, Rick Barnes or Tony Bennett. It’s Boca Raton’s Owls who are the first through — and we can guarantee that neither SDSU nor Creighton has any interest in trying to dismantle Dusty May’s squad.
Despite being down 7 points with under 10 minutes to go in the contest, and with Markquis Nowell on the other side, the Owls stormed back once again, finishing an absolutely remarkable +22 on the glass and coming away with a three-point victory.
After the game, the world had no choice but to bow down to Conference USA’s suddenly-national darlings.
FAU pulling up to the Final Four pic.twitter.com/orj4w7xoDL
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 26, 2023
FAU vs Kansas State: Conference USA’s Owls head to FInal Four
Something tells me one particular bettor enjoyed Nowell’s downfall.
That’s a Cinderella unlike any other — and, as a result, the memes are crazy.
FAU ADVANCES TO THE FINAL FOUR 👏
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2023
The Cinderella run continues 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sBt1wjzmGz
What is that?! It’s what you get when a university bereft of cultural touchpoints makes the Final Four, that’s what it is. Carrot Top is perhaps FAU’s most famous alum. Instead of seeing him, you get bizarre owl animations, and you’ll like them.
And, in case you were wondering, yes, Indiana alums are handling Dusty May taking an entirely unexpected team to the Final Four well.
I'm officially commissioning a photoshop of IU alum Dusty May in the Bob Knight sweater, badly need it for future meme use in general and/or to get it on a coffee mug for Father's Day
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) March 26, 2023
Don’t read this, Mike Woodson. Just read something else.
In case you forgot the controversy, FAU is only still dancing due to some malfeasance in the first round. The escaped Memphis at the buzzer, and referees missed a timeout that might’ve changed history.
This tournament is truly insane. One jump ball call in the first round and FAU is done, instead they’re going to the Final Four. They deserve a ton of credit, they’re really good and they never get rattled
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 26, 2023
Instead, Jerome Tang’s Wildcats have become the latest victims of the Owls and their adorably local graphics.
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, FLORIDA ATLANTIC IS GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!!#WinningInParadise #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/0S7Z21pNNp
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 26, 2023
Better get used to drawing Houston, TX, Owls Graphics Team. Because you’re headed there this week.
Creighton, SDSU and FAU. Better get creative, meme artists. Not a lot of fertile ground to work with.