NEW YORK - For the first time in Florida Atlantic's history, the Owls are headed to the Final Four following a thrilling 79-76 win over No. 3 seed Kansas State on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The Owls, who own the nation's best record (35-3), are the first Conference USA team to reach the Final Four since Memphis did so in 2008, and will take on South region champion San Diego State at 5:09 p.m. CT in Houston on Saturday, April 1, on CBS from NRG Stadium.

Florida Atlantic had four players in double figures, led by sophomore guard Alijah Martin, who finished with 17 points and four rebounds. It was the big man in the middle, Vlad Goldin, however, who set the tone, finishing with 14 points, 13 rebounds and a pair of blocks in the win. Guards Bryan Greenlee and Johnell Davis chipped in 16 and 13, respectively, for the history-making Owls. FAU was dominant on the glass, outrebounding the Wildcats a staggering 44-22, including 14 offensive boards. 

The Final Four bound Owls held a 42-38 advantage at the break, but trailed 57-50 midway through the second half. They flipped the game on its head and raced to an eight point lead in the final three minutes thanks to a 10-0 run, holding on for the victory in front of a raucous crowd at the historic Garden. 

Senior guard Michael Forrest knocked down four clutch free throws in the final 17 seconds to push the Owls' lead to three points. A defensive stop secured the victory, holding Kansas State without a shot on the final possession, and Florida Atlantic ascended to cut down the nets in New York City.

Conference USA continues its scintillating run through the postseason, as the league's teams are 15-1 across the NCAA Tournament (4-0), the NIT (both teams, North Texas and UAB are semifinalists), and the CBI (Charlotte claimed the tournament crown on Wednesday).