March 21, 2002

CLEVELAND - One of the greatest Cinderella stories in NCAA men's basketball tournament history ended 16 years ago today when Navy edged Cleveland State 71-70 in the East Region Semifinals. This weekend ESPN Classic will show how the Vikings started their improbable tournament run with a stunning upset of Indiana.

The 27-3 Vikings, seeded 14th in the East Region after gaining a bid as an at-large selection, opened up the first round against the third-seeded Hoosiers at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Led by Clinton Ransey's 27 points, Cleveland State shocked heavily favored Indiana, 83-79, handing Coach Bob Knight his earliest exit from the NCAA Tournament. The "Cinderella" Vikings rode the momentum from that memorable bout to the school's first and only appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.

This Saturday, March 23, ESPN Classic will air the unforgettable contest at 11:00 p.m. and again at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning.