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10 March Madness Cinderella teams that stole our hearts

March Madness is all about the upsets and these ten Cinderellas stole America's heart as they made their runs.

By Matthew Conner

Loyola v Kansas State
Loyola v Kansas State / Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages
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2013 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

  • Seed: No. 15
  • Tournament Run: Sweet Sixteen
  • Final Ranking: No. 25

"Dunk City", that's what the 2013 Florida Gulf Coast team became affectionately known as on their way to the Sweet 16. Sure, that's a much shorter run than most of the teams on this list but it was one that many still remember fondly.

Seeded as a No. 15 in the South region, the Eagles found a way to knock off No. 2 seed (No. 8 ranked) Georgetown 78-68 in the first round. It was the third time in two years and the seventh time overall that a 15 seed had upset a 2 seed.

Then, FGCU took on No. 7 seed San Diego St. With an 81–71 win, they became the first 15 seed to win two games in a tournament to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

Though the Eagles would fall to No. 3 seed (No. 14 ranked) Florida, 62-50 in the third round, their legacy was already cemented. They were one of the most popular Cinderellas in recent tournament history.

Don't forget that FGCU had only been playing basketball for 16 years at the time of their improbable run. What's more, they had only been competing at the Division-I level for six seasons.

Additionally, they played an exciting above-the-rim style that made everyone take notice. That's why "Dunk City" is forever etched in the hearts of college basketball fans.

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