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          March Madness 2022: From Eli Manning's fandom to signs on the Jersey Turnpike - A viral run with Cinderella Saint Peter's

          • Brianna Williams, ESPNMar 27, 2022, 11:30 PM

          Few things unite New Jersey more than mentioning Wawa, going down the shore or the phrase "20 regular, cash."

          With their 2022 NCAA tournament run, you can add the Saint Peter's Peacocks to that list -- even if their remarkable March Madness journey is now over.

          Check your men's tournament brackets

          On Friday, the team made its first Sweet 16 appearance in Philadelphia, just 90 miles from its home arena, and faced 3-seed Purdue in the East Region semifinal.

          The Peacocks came out on top and made history as the first 15-seed to make the Elite Eight.

          Last weekend, Saint Peter's followed up its opening 85-79 overtime win over Kentucky with a 70-60 victory against Murray State in which the Peacocks never trailed to become the third 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16.

          These days, the Peacocks are living a charmed life as a Cinderella team and enjoying being the underdog darling of the tournament. Here's a look at their week:

          March 17

          The Peacocks' St. Patrick's day upset win over Kentucky was the start of this Cinderella story. It also spurred a new holiday that might be celebrated in the state for years to come.

          The Peacocks also received congratulations from a fellow underdog.

          In 2018, the UMBC Retrievers became one of the most well-known squads to wear March Madness' proverbial glass slipper after becoming the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed.

          March 18

          Getting verified on Twitter is just one of the perks that come with defeating the No. 2 seed. Less than 24 hours after the big win, the Peacocks were blue-check official. They also reposted an introduction thread of the team that includes a "phenomenal" mustache, a set of twins, an aspiring actor and much more.

          Head coach Shaheen Holloway and guard Doug Edert have seen their social status grow, as well. According to Twitter, Holloway's has averaged 601 new followers a day since the win over Kentucky. Edert, who got an NIL deal with Buffalo Wild Wings, has added 82 followers a day.

          You know the saying about birds of a feather? In this instance, the Saint Peter's spirit squad and Peacock, the NBCUniversal streaming service, flocked together.

          March 19

          The state of Kentucky had a tough time competing with New Jersey as far as basketball is concerned. The second-seeded Wildcats and No. 7 seed Racers both hailed from the Bluegrass State and fell to Saint Peter's.

          The Peacocks' second upset of the week was met with praise from several local teams and another feathered friend.

          When asked about how his team matches up against bigger teams, Holloway, who is from Queens, New York, and played at Seton Hall, had a very fitting response that has made its way onto local billboards.

          "I've got guys from New Jersey and New York City. You think we're scared of anything?"

          March 20

          The Peacocks play their home games at Run Baby Run Arena, and the party upon returning to Jersey City appeared to be just as lively as the facility's name.

          March 21

          After the party, the team hosted a special visitor in New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Coach Holloway appeared on Good Morning America.

          March 23

          Saint Peter's hosted two parties in as many days as its Sweet 16 send-off drew plenty of supporters. Those who weren't able to attend the in-person celebrations could at least view the celebratory sign on the New Jersey Turnpike.

          March 24

          Apparently former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has always been a big Peacocks guy. We aren't questioning the timing, and neither are the New Jersey Devils.

          March 25

          Cinderella couldn't be stopped in the City of Brotherly Love. Saint Peter's knocked off Purdue 67-64 and became the first school from New Jersey to reach the Elite Eight since Seton Hall in 1991.

          Is there any other way to celebrate National Peacock Day?

          March 26

          Saint Peter's has Jersey City lit -- literally and metaphorically. The City Hall building was adorned in "Peacock Blue" ahead of Sunday's Elite Eight showdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

          March 27

          All good things must come to an end; apparently that includes Saint Peter's fairy-tale March Madness after a 69-49 loss to UNC. The Peacocks -- the first 15-seed to reach the Elite Eight -- finished their season at 22-12. A heck of a run, indeed.