Florida Gulf Coast 81, San Diego State 71: Bernard Thompson scored a game-high 23 points as the Eagles dominated the final 10 minutes to pull their second consecutive shocker in Philadelphia, becoming the first No. 15 seed in NCAA Tournament history to advance to the Sweet 16.
Sherwood Brown battled foul trouble in the second half, but scored 17 points as Florida Gulf Coast (26-10) added another chapter to its incredible story. The Eagles will face third-seeded Florida on Friday in the South Regional semifinals in Arlington, Texas.
Jamaal Franklin scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead San Diego State (23-11). The Aztecs led 35-34 at halftime but trailed with 11:35 remaining before the Eagles scored 17 unanswered points during the next 7:35.
Brown, who picked up his third foul with 17:54 remaining, scored eight points during the run. Thompson added five points, with his free throw with 4:19 left increasing the Florida Gulf Coast margin to 71-52.
Chase Tapley added 17 points for San Diego State, which committed 17 turnovers.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Brett Comer scored 10 points and added 14 assists for Florida Gulf Coast. … The Aztecs allowed the most points since an 82-75 loss to UNLV on Jan. 16. … The Eagles have won seven consecutive games.
Florida Gulf Coast | San Diego St. | |
Bernard Thompson 23 | Scoring | Jamaal Franklin 20 |
Brett Comer 14 | Assists | Xavier Thames 6 |
Sherwood Brown 8 | Rebounds | Jamaal Franklin 11 |
Sherwood Brown 3 | Free Throws Made | Jamaal Franklin 2 |
Bernard Thompson 5 | Steals | Jamaal Franklin 4 |
Eric McKnight 4 | Blocks | DeShawn Stephens 2 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Florida Gulf Coast | 81 | 55.9 | 7-18 | 8-12 | 21 | 27 | 5 | 13 | 13 |
San Diego St. | 71 | 44.3 | 8-23 | 9-13 | 16 | 33 | 6 | 10 | 17 |