San Diego State’s Lamont Butler delivered a moment that the college basketball world will never forget on Saturday night in Houston when he drained a jumper at the buzzer to give his Aztecs a 72–71 victory over Florida Atlantic in the men’s Final Four.
After trailing for much of the second half, San Diego State stormed back from as many as 14 points down to give Butler a chance on the final possession. The junior guard delivered, nailing a mid-range shot as time expired to send the crowd into pandemonium and his team into the national championship game.
“The plan was just to get downhill. They cut me off a little bit,” Butler explained after his game-winner. “I looked up and there was two seconds left so I got to a shot that I’m comfortable with and I hit it. I’m happy.”
SAN DIEGO STATE WINS IT AT THE BUZZER!
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 2, 2023
A last-second shot by Lamont Butler sends the Aztecs to the national title game 😱
(via @MarchMadnessMBB) /pic.twitter.com/dJzCwwKTNp
Needless to say, Butler’s last-second heroics sent the sports world into a frenzy on Saturday night. Charles Barkley was among those who couldn’t believe what he saw take place in the closing seconds at NRG Stadium.
Chuck couldn’t believe it 🤯#MFinalFour @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/xumjsgEGY1
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 2, 2023
Here’s how the rest of the sports world reacted to the wild finish between San Diego State and FAU:
Fans at Petco Park go absolutely WILD after SDSU’s buzzer beater 👏 @CBBonFOX
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 2, 2023
(via @AJCassavell)
pic.twitter.com/35EiqNQY5Z
Even @CanesHoops were shook by the buzzer beater 😮 pic.twitter.com/I1YOPTetj2
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 2, 2023
ABSOLUTE SCENES AT THE BUZZER FOR SDSU FANS pic.twitter.com/vGspszerdD
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 2, 2023
There is nothing better than March Madness! Congrats to FAU and SDSU. Brian Dutcher has paid his dues for a long time, so happy for him!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 2, 2023
Guys, that was awesome. Shout out Lamont Butler. That game was everything about college basketball. Awesome first half, terrible officiating, superb fight/comeback from SDSU, some killer shot making, a star turn from Alijah Martin. The entire thing was just absolutely amazing. pic.twitter.com/LeM5k8qHmh
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 2, 2023
This is April.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 2, 2023
Wow celebration party time in San Diego ! Yes @Aztec_MBB heading to the @MarchMadnessMBB championship . The Star of Stars - LAMONT BUTLER with the winner !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 2, 2023
