COLUMBUS SECOND

allowed me to get to the rim. I just thought about finishing no matter what.”

Two nights later, in a match-up with No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson University — which shocked No. 1 seed Purdue in the first round — FAU guard Johnell Davis put forth one of the most memorable performances in NCAA Tournament history.

Davis finished with 29 points, a careerhigh 12 rebounds, five assists and five steals, propelling the Owls past Fairleigh Dickinson, 78-70, and into the Sweet 16. Davis became the first player to total at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in an NCAA game since steals became an official stat in 1986.

“I really don’t care about the stats. My team just kept feeding me the ball. I put the work in and it shows in the box score,” said Davis, a sophomore who played in every game during the season. “My coach believed in me, the team believed in me. I just stayed patient and waited for my turn. I can’t really explain that moment.”

Only 16 teams remained in the NCAA Tournament.

MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM’S HISTORIC 2022-23 SEASON

Dusty May named CBS Sports College Basketball Coach of the Year, Conference USA Coach of the Year and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)

All-District 17 Coach of the Year

Johnell Davis named Conference USA Sixth Player of the Year, C-USA All-Tournament Team, First Team AllConference USA and NABC All-District First Team

Alijah Martin named to NCAA Tournament First Team, Conference USA First Team, NABC All-District Second Team, as well as Conference USA Tournament Most Valuable Player

Vladislav Goldin named to Third Team All-Conference USA