The 2013 NCAA tournament has been one of unpredictably wild proportions. Perhaps no story has been more captivating than that of No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast.
Approximately 48 hours removed from their upset of No. 2 Georgetown, Florida Gulf Coast has defeated No. 7 San Diego State, 81-71.
As a result, the Eagles will make their first trip to the Sweet 16 in school history. They are also the first No. 15 seed in history to reach the Sweet 16. Believe it or not, this comes during their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
Bernard Thompson had 23 points to lead five Eagles who reached double figures. Brett Comer also put up an unbelievable double-double with 10 points and 14 assists while Sherwood Brown had 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
Not only is this a monumental win for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, but for NCAA history. As for why, note that the Eagles are the only team to stake claim to a marvelous stat.
For those friends who tell you that they saw this coming, don't believe them. Although Florida Gulf Coast secured a regular season victory over ACC champion Miami, few gave them a fair chance of advancing.
Leading this group has been none other than 43-year-old head coach Andy Enfield. The Eagles are getting a bargain with this basketball mind.
For perspective, Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self signed a $52 million contract over 10 years in September of 2012.
As one might expect, the Twittersphere erupted with a mix of praise and admiration for Florida Gulf Coast. Perhaps no phase of their game inspired as much interest in their swarming transition offense.
Always the cynical voice of Twitter, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News offered a different take. Instead of praise and admiration, he took a quick jab at the Miami media.
Fortunately, Isola wasn't the only voice on Twitter. In fact, there was an overwhelming amount of personalities declaring their new found love for the Eagles.
Florida Gulf Coast will now play their in-state rival Florida Gators in the Sweet 16. If they win, the Eagles will make even more history by making an appearance in the Elite Eight.
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