In a time where sports and particularly college sports might seem like the most miniscule and unimportant thing in the world, the US still brings itself to watch one of the greatest spectacles in sport: March Madness. And in the midst of a chaotic presidential race, last year’s tournament helped people forget and bring them together with the help of one team and one spectacular title game. When the Villanova Wildcats entered the 2016 tournament they came with an impressive 82 wins over the last three seasons. They also came with the notoriety of being bounced from the dance in the early rounds five out of the last six seasons. They were the Cinderella, underdog, long shot.  This Villanova team was what makes American sports so great: A team that people rally behind, outstanding leadership, the feel good story. After a regular season that landed them a second seed in the South Region the stage was set once again to make their statement amongst the country’s elite. During the dance they not only exceeded the expectations of national pundits they absolutely destroyed them. They edged out overall seed Kansas Jayhawks in the Elite Eight and then a dominating Final Four win over Oklahoma to advance to the National Championship game where they faced off against North Carolina-one of college basketball’s elite and regular title contenders. With 4.7 seconds left, Carolina guard Marcus Paige threw up a miracle three to tie the game at 74. And with overtime looming, Nova stole America’s heart with a game winning buzzer beater by Kris Jenkins that captured the Wildcats’ first title since 1985.

Luke Winn/Sports Illustrated:PHILADELPHIA THREEDOM/ 11.04.16