FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles are heading back to the NCAA basketball tournament.
The NCAA tournament selections were made Sunday evening and FGCU will have to compete in a "play-in" game to claim the 16th seed in this year's tournament.
Unlike their 2013 selection, this year's wait was less suspenseful because of a bracket leak on Twitter.
"Well obviously we're excited," said Joe Dooley, FGCU Head Coach. "I said to my guys, it was a long time coming, waiting but at least we knew we were in the tournament and we weren't sweating it out like some other people," said Dooley.
The bracket leak took away the uncertainty from the players, but not the excitement. "It was exciting, it was pretty cool," said Marc-Eddy Norelia. "I like how the students came out and supported us."
"I'm just really happy we got here this year, and be able to watch it and be excited about it," said Christian Terrell.
"Like Coach said, we weren't sweating like the other teams so just knowing that we would be a part of one of the 68 teams in the tournament was exciting," said Zach Johnson.
This is just the second time in school history FGCU will have a shot at NCAA title.
The Eagles will hit the hardwood against Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday, and if they win they'll go on to tackle first seeded North Carolina.
Despite having to fight their way in with a "play in" game, these Eagles are flying high.
"No, we're in the tournament, why would we be disappointed?" said Norelia.
"We're just happy to be here," added Johnson.
