Oral Roberts becomes second 15-seed to make Sweet 16 by beating Florida

Oral Roberts made history Sunday night by beating Florida and advancing to the Sweet 16.

The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles pulled off the upset of the NCAA Tournament on Friday by taking down the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a rare win for a 15-seed, and the Golden Eagles were looking to prove it wasn’t some sort of fluke.

They did just that Sunday night by beating the 7-seed Florida Gators and securing a spot in the Sweet 16. Oral Roberts is now in a select group of 15-seeds who advanced beyond just that initial first-round upset.

Oral Roberts on to the Sweet 16

Brackets around the country are busted, but those who saw the Golden Eagles take down the Buckeyes are not surprised.

Oral Roberts had two players lead the way in the latest upset. Kevin Obanor had 28 points and Max Abmas was right there with 26 of his own. A five-point halftime deficit did nothing to sway their confidence, and the result is a rare berth for a 15-seed in the Sweet 16.

Florida Gulf Coast was the first team to achieve the rare feat back in 2013. That tournament saw FGCU take down Georgetown and San Diego State before falling to Florida in the Sweet 16. It was a great run and provided hope to other 15-seeds that the impossible could become reality.

2021 is a whole new situation given how much COVID-19 affected the season. The lack of crowds may play a huge factor as well, making for a more even playing field. But nothing is going to change the fact Oral Roberts made history Sunday.

Up next is a matchup with Arkansas in the Sweet 16. At this point is there any reason for Oral Roberts to be a major underdog once again?