Lamont Butler hits Final Four buzzer-beater to push San Diego State over Florida Atlantic

San Diego State and Florida Atlantic at all times felt like an extremely odd and unlikely matchup within the Final Four of the 2023 males’s NCAA event, however followers had cause to imagine this might be an ideal recreation. The FAU Owls weren’t precisely a Cinderella regardless of being a No. 9 seed, however had been profitable by tight margins all through their March Madness run. San Diego State rode one of many nation’s finest defenses to a nationwide semifinal berth, however wanted a controversial however appropriate name to win their Elite Eight recreation vs. Creighton.

The Aztecs vs. the Owls lived as much as the hype. The recreation got here right down to the ultimate possession, and SDSU junior guard Lamont Butler was the hero. Up one with 10 seconds left, FAU missed a layup and gave the Aztecs one final likelihood for the win. Butler got here down the precise facet of the ground, and hit a pull-up jumper on the buzzer to offer San Diego State a 72-71 win over Florida Atlantic that advances the Aztecs to the nationwide championship recreation for the primary time in program historical past.

Watch Butler’s game-winning shot right here:

Here’s a courtside view of the game-winner from reporter John Fanta:

How typically do you see a real buzzer-beater within the Final Four? What a second for San Diego State. It’s simply heartbreaking for FAU.

It was pure jubilation from SDSU on the court docket.

Broadcaster Charles Barkley couldn’t imagine the shot:

Here’s a photograph of the game-winning shot, by way of Getty Images:

No group had ever received an Elite Eight and Final Four recreation by one level, till now.

Butler’s shot gave San Diego State its solely lead of the second half. Florida Atlantic led by as many as 14 factors earlier within the recreation. Unbelievable.