Fairleigh Dickinson Coach After Purdue Upset: ‘It’s Unbelievable’

The Knights head coach had faith that his team could land the historic upset.

After the final seconds ticked off the clock in Columbus, Ohio in No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson’s 63–58 shocking upset against No. 1 Purdue on Friday, Knights coach Tobin Anderson was absolutely thrilled for his team.

As Anderson’s players did the griddy dance in celebration of knocking off one of four top seeds in the men’s NCAA tournament this year, TNT’s Jamie Erdahl recalled Anderson’s previous statement this week, believing that his team could knock off Purdue.

After securing the historic win, Anderson said he had full trust in his guys and what his program can do on any given night.

“I trust our guys… We just have faith in what we do,” Anderson said. “They are tough, they are gritty.. that’s an unbelievable win… We just shocked the world... We’re going to stay in Columbus. I love it. .... It’s just awesome.”

This interview with Tobin Anderson is everything ❤️ @FDUKnightsMBB

"That's unbelievable. We just shocked the world!" pic.twitter.com/9B7sUPzdbH

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 18, 2023

FDU’s win became the first and only other No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed since UMBC did so in 2018 when it stunned Virginia in the first round of the tournament. 

Coach Tobin Anderson called it 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/TMJaiCrrLm

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2023