The late great Jim Valvano is credited with making popular the phrase “Survive and Advance” for the 1983 NC State basketball team’s run from being the 4th place team in the ACC with 10 loses all the way to an NCAA Championship. Beginning with their opening game in the ACC Tournament, the Wolfpack had little margin for error – a loss would have ended its season.
What the Wolfpack, or similar teams who have made runs to win the NCAA title, was rather amazing. Now imagine having to win four games in three days. And the last two games weren’t on a neutral court but were away games.