1983 NCAA Championship – NC State vs. Houston Jim Valvano’s “Cardiac Pack” completed one of sports’ greatest Cinderella runs by defeating Phi Slama Jama—a Houston squad featuring Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler—54–52 on Lorenzo Charles’ dunk at the buzzer. NC State, a 6-seed, had survived five elimination games in the tournament, relying on hustle, defense, and sheer will. The image of Valvano running onto the court, arms raised in disbelief, became iconic. Houston dominated inside but missed crucial free throws down the stretch. Charles’ putback off Dereck Whittenburg’s airball sealed legend. The victory gave NC State its first title since 1974 and remains the archetype of the underdog miracle. Valvano’s emotional postgame speech foreshadowed his later battle with cancer, adding profound depth to an already mythic moment.
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