Perhaps it’s not that surprising that in 1997 the University of Arizona — ranked No. 4 going into the Big Dance — went on to win the national title, but what is surprising is how the Pac-10 school won. For the first time since the NCAA introduced seeding in 1979, Arizona knocked off not one, but three No. 1 teams for the win. After besting South Alabama and the College of Charleston in the first two rounds, Arizona battled No. 1–ranked Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen, beating them 85 to 82. In the Final Four, Arizona bested No. 1–ranked North Carolina 66-58. And for the title, Arizona defeated No. 1–ranked (and defending national champions) University of Kentucky 84-79 in overtime.
Top 10 Surprising Final Four Teams
Cinderellas. Underdogs. Long shots. Sleepers. Call them what you will — during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, they put the madness in March. And with No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth University making a remarkable run through this year's tourney, TIME takes a look back at some of the most shocking Final Four squads
University of Arizona, 1997
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When the Shoe Fits