With a record of 27-6, Tom Crean and his Marquette Golden Eagles were more than deserving of their 13.81 nERD. They were the nation's best offense, according to Ken Pomeroy's adjusted offensive efficiency ratings, and posted two wins over ranked teams in their regular season campaign.

They overlooked their lone conference tournament matchup with UAB, but, going into the tournament, the Eagles were still awarded a 3 seed. They then disposed of four straight teams, including a 1-seeded Kentucky squad in the Elite Eight. In the contest, sophomore star Dwyane Wade amassed a triple-double with 29 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes.

That marked the last of Wade's great performances. Kansas blew out Marquette 94-61 in the 2003 Final Four.