Wearing a VCU sweatshirt, Gov. Bob McDonnell calls to congratulate team on the win

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Jamie Skeen scored 26 points and 11th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth is crashing the Final Four after the upset of the NCAA tournament, shocking No. 1 seed Kansas 71-61 on Sunday.

So doubtful were the Rams of even making the tournament that they didn’t watch the selection show. Two weeks later, they’re Houston-bound after an incredible takedown of the last No. 1 seed.

It’s George Mason all over again, and VCU had an even tougher Final Four path than their tiny conference brethren in 2006.

The Rams needed five wins to go from First Four to Final Four. Along the way, they toppled teams from the Pac-10, Big East, Big 10, ACC and now the Big 12.

They’ll pick on someone their own size next: Butler.

RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement Sunday regarding Virginia Commonwealth University’s victory over the Kansas University Jayhawks:

“I want to congratulate Virginia Commonwealth University on their historic win against the Kansas University Jayhawks. Virginians are celebrating their victory all across the Commonwealth. VCU is a great University with a well deserved reputation for academic and athletic excellence. We all look forward to cheering them on in the Final Four next weekend. I know they’ve got two more big wins left in them. Head Coach Shaka Smart and this group of talented student athletes are doing a tremendous job representing their school and community. Go Rams!”