46. 2006 George Mason Patriots

Key Players: Jai Lewis, Tony Skinn, Will Thomas

Finish: Lost in the Final Four

Record: 27-8

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There have been a lot of Cinderella teams in the NCAA Tournament over the years. But few of them have felt like they belonged deep in the tourney as much as George Mason did in '06. After CBS analyst Billy Packer criticized the NCAA selection committee for punching George Mason's ticket to the Big Dance, the Patriots managed to knock off Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State, and UConn before an experienced Florida team sent them packing. But they never really looked overmatched and they showed the physical and mental toughness of a champion. Bad. Ass.