FDU WHO?! KNIGHTS SHOCK THE WORLD!

Opinion by Justin Rimpi
Former Equinox Sports Editor (Class of 2020)

For only the second time in NCAA men’s basketball tournament history, a No. 16 seed has defeated a No. 1 seed. Fairleigh Dickinson University did that Saturday night, beating heavily favored Purdue, 63-58, in Columbus, Ohio, in the first round of the tournament.

As an FDU alumnus, I could not be more proud to be a Knight. FDU will live on in tournament lore forever.

Just a few minutes after the final buzzer, I find it difficult to contain my excitement and sheer joy!

During the game, I experienced a whole spectrum of emotions. When the game went final, I couldn’t help but shed a tear.

I went to countless games during my time at FDU and even saw the Knights play in the “First Four” in Dayton, Ohio, back in 2019. Just four years later, to experience a night like this is surreal.

I never thought it would be us, a small school on the banks of the Hackensack River, showing basketball fans everywhere what FDU is all about.

I can’t wait for Sunday’s game as FDU looks to advance to the “Sweet Sixteen.” I will watch every dribble, and so will the rest of the basketball world.

FDU will not soon be forgotten!

Justin Rimpi started as a sports writer and then rose to sports editor and managing editor for The Equinox (2017-2020), graduating in May 2020. He works as a games producer for Stakes, a mobile gaming app based in New York City.