Sweet home, Alabama, Sweet 16. In 1997, the 34-1 Kansas Jayhawks were double-digit favorites to beat the 21-9 Wildcats. But on an 11-0 run late in the second half, Arizona led 75-62 and held on to win 85-82, possibly the most meaningful victory in school history, leading to the NCAA title a week later.
Bibby and Michael Dickerson combined to score 41 points, the much-quicker UA defense forced 18 turnovers, which was enough to withstand a 27-point performance by KU’s Paul Pierce.
KU coach Roy Williams was an emotional wreck, weeping openly at game’s end. “These kids are champions,” he said. “It’s almost cruel to have this end now.”