San Diego State’s Lamont Butler played the hero role Saturday night when his jumper led the Aztecs to a 72-71 victory over Florida Atlantic in the national semifinal game.
But Butler’s shot was almost wasted, as replay of his play showed how close he came to going out of bounds on the play.
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San Diego State guard Lamont Butler celebrates after defeating Florida Atlantic during the NCAA Tournament Final Four game on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Butler picked up the ball after an Owls player missed a jumper in the lane. He drove to the right side toward the baseline and his foot almost hit the baseline. His foot was barely an inch from the line.
Regardless, Butler got up and fired, landing the shot and putting himself in March Madness lore.
«I didn’t really know how big it was,» he said after the game. «We’re going to the national championship. That’s not what a lot of people do.»
GOLF INFLUENCER PAIGE SPIRANAC HAS A 4-WORD RESPONSE TO SAN DIEGO STATE’S EPIC WIN
San Diego State guard Lamont Butler, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning basket against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
San Diego State will face UConn in the national championship on Monday night. The Huskies beat Miami in the other game of the Final Four.
«We’ve always been knocked down,» San Diego State guard Matt Bradley said. «But the most important thing we always do is get back up and keep fighting.»
San Diego State reacts after their Final Four victory against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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Prior to the 2023 tournament, San Diego State had only made it to the Sweet 16, making it in 2011 and 2014. Now, they can play for a national title shot.
Associated Press contributed to this report.