Author: Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY

For the first time since the Christian Laettner-era teams, the program everyone loves to hate has largely been embraced during this NCAA title run.

Saint Peter’s made NCAA Tournament history, and from this point forward, the Peacocks will be the benchmark for every tournament darling.

There are no tricks behind Saint Peter’s crazy run to the Elite Eight. It might just be playing hard, having strong defense and “we love each other.”

Saint Peter’s is the latest team to earn the title of America’s darling. Who do the Peacocks join among the biggest underdog stories in March?

The Tar Heels’ win sets up the potential for a meeting with Duke and Coach K in the Final Four in New Orleans.

This year’s Final Four will consist of some of the biggest names in the sport’s history. And some surprises if the past week has taught us anything.

That makes Saint Peter’s the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight and continues one of the most engrossing and unforeseen postseason runs ever.

No. 1 Gonzaga failed yet again in the men’s NCAA Tournament, while Coach K and No. 2 Duke pull off a late escape against No. 3 Texas Tech.

After just two rounds and four days, the number of SEC teams still standing is a paltry one: Arkansas alone will represent the powerful conference.