[My] Sports Moment of 2006

George Mason wasn't supposed to make the Big Dance last season. Billy Packer didn't think so. Others who were less vocal and moronic in the expression of their opinion thought so as well.

Even after dismantling the likes of Michigan St., North Carolina, and Wichita State, Mason supporters entered the Verizon Center on March 26 with guarded optimism. Many expected a close game early on with UConn pulling away for good in the middle of the second half. A sign like "UCONN'T BEAT GEORGE MASON" was only made in jest. Besides, it was UConn, who featured four 1st-round picks from the 2006 NBA Draft, and were a clear-cut Final Four team.

Folarin Campbell trimmed the UConn lead to single digits when he converted a three-point play near the close of the half following an immense UConn run. After the break, Mason went on a history-making run of made shots and defensive stops, eventually taking the lead. Missed free throws and five seconds of no defense forced five minutes to decide Cinderella's fate. With Mason leading by two late in overtime, Brown barely missed a three-pointer as time expired, and the 11-seed from the Colonial Athletic Association was on its way to the Final Four, something never before seen.

Courtesy: gomason.cstv.com

Pandemonium took over the Verizon Center, as the fans cheered in enjoyable disbelief, embracing anyone in sight sporting the green and gold. The Patriots' players knew what they had accomplished, but it was still sinking for many of their supporters. Although George Mason fell short of winning the national championship, they forever changed the landscape of college basketball and how mid-majors are viewed.