Everyone loves an underdog, and the world of sports is no stranger to such “Cinderella” stories. Sometimes, teams suffer through the tournament or don’t even qualify to begin with. Other times, they miraculously pull ahead with their teammates, coaches and fans’ support and motivation. For them, victory is their very own glass slipper. Defying all odds, here are some of the teams that rose to the top in past NCAA Tournaments.

North Carolina State Wolfpack

Often looked back on as the “Cardiac Pack,’” N.C. State’s 54-52 victory against Houston in 1983 was a win that became one of the most notable NCAA Tournament upsets in the history of the championship, thanks to Lorenzo Charles’ last-second dunk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l5N2eKdvL4

Villanova Wildcats

The eighth-seed Villanova Wildcats won their first national title by defeating Georgetown 66-64 in the final game of the 1985 championship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiK-qcI5hW4

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks came to a miraculous victory in the 1988 tournament after 11 losses that season. This win gave the team the nickname “Danny and the Miracles,” after Danny Manning, who was recognized as Most Outstanding Player.

Davidson Wildcats

Basketball legend Steph Curry was officially introduced to the world in the 2008 game against Gonzaga, where he scored a whopping 40 points for his team, and consequently finished with a 82-76 win.  

Virginia Commonwealth Rams

From First Four to Final Four, the Rams’ 2011 win against top-ranked Kansas was highly unexpected. Virginia Commonwealth’s 10-point lead against the Jayhawks secured their “Cinderella” victory.

Florida Gulf Coast

During only their second year of official NCAA eligibility, the Eagles made it to the tournament after their victory in the Atlantic Sun Tournament. With upset after upset, they made their way to the 2013 Sweet Sixteen.