Former Rockdale star Bernard Thompson scored a game-high 23 points to help Florida Gulf Coast make history in the NCAA Tournament Sunday night.

The Eagles, being called a "phenomenon" by tournament commentators, became the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the tournament's Sweet 16.

Florida Gulf Coast secured the spot with a 81-71 rout of San Diego State on Sunday in Philadelphia.

But the Eagles, flying high in their first ever NCAA appearance, earned their bragging rights this past Friday in the second round by toppling No. 2 seed Georgetown 78-68. Thompson scored 23 points in that game.

Florida Gulf Coast will play Florida this coming Friday at North Texas.

Thompson was voted the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year, and as of qualifying for the tournament was second in the NCAA with 95 steals and fifth with 2.88 steals per game. His 95 steals set a program record and were third all-time in A-Sun history, nine behind Centenary's Larry Robinson (1989-90).