No. 9 Northwestern holds off late rally for wild overtime win over No. 8 FAU

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — It's the best of times for Northwestern, and the worst of times for Florida Atlantic.

A tale of two halves went to overtime, and the ninth-seeded Wildcats dominated the final five minutes for a 77-65 victory over No. 8 FAU.

No lead had grown past four until Boo Buie hit a three to give Northwestern a 33-27 lead with just over 15 minutes to go. That lead grew to nine with eight minutes left, and the Northwestern-heavy crowd got loud. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ryan Langborg (5) of the Northwestern Wildcats celebrates at the end of regulation before overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center March 22, 2024, in New York City.  (Elsa/Getty Images)

But FAU responded with a 13-2 run of its own to take the lead. FAU's Vlad Goldin went to the line for a one-and-one with 26 seconds left and a two-point lead, but he missed after making his previous six, giving the Cats a chance for the last shot. Brooks Barnhizer tied it with a layup with nine seconds left, and FAU's potential buzzer beater was blocked, sending the game to overtime.

The overtime period was all Wildcats, as they knocked down all five of their shot attempts while FAU missed its first four, and it was too late for another Owls comeback.

Ryan Langborg (5) of the Northwestern Wildcats celebrates at the end of regulation before overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center March 22, 2024, in New York City.  (Elsa/Getty Images)

NO. 14 OAKLAND STUNS NO. 3 KENTUCKY BEHIND STELLAR PERFORMANCE BY DIVISION II TRANSFER

The teams