The unlikeliest of champions, the 1949–50 City College Beavers were extraordinary by every measure. City College was a tuition-free, merit-based college in Harlem known far more for its intellectual achievements and political radicalism than its athletic prowess. Every single member of the Beavers was either Jewish or African American, and they stunned the basketball world by becoming the only team in history to win the NIT and NCAA tournaments in the same year. However, during the following season, all of the team’s starting five were arrested, charged with conspiring with gamblers to shave points. The story centers on two teammates, Eddie Roman and Floyd Layne --- one white, one black --- each caught up in the scandal, each searching for a path to personal redemption.

On November 14, 1889, reporter Nellie Bly left New York City by steamship on a quest to break the record for the fastest trip around the world. Also departing from New York that day --- and heading in the opposite direction by train --- was journalist Elizabeth Bisland. Each woman was determined to circle the globe in less than 80 days. The dramatic race that ensued would change both competitors’ lives forever.