The 1999 Oklahoma Sooners earned an at-large bid as the #13 seed, perhaps the very definition of a “bubble team.”  They entered the NCAA Tournament with a rather mediocre 20-10 overall record, after failing to win a game in the Big XII Conference postseason-play.

But there they were in the opening round, facing a 4th-seeded Arizona team (22-6), fighting their way to a one-point victory, thanks to Ryan Humphrey’s tip-in with just 21 seconds left in the game.  Up next was Charlotte, the #5 seed in the Midwest Region.  The Sooners jumped out to an early 21-5 lead before settling for a 37-22 halftime lead.  In the second half, their defense took over, holding the 49ers without a point for a 12-minute span on their way to the 85-72 win.

While Oklahoma fell to #1 seed Michigan State in the next round, they had already accomplished more than anyone thought possible, making their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1989.