March Madness, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, has a rich history filled with unforgettable upsets that have shocked and captivated fans over the years. From Cinderella stories to stunning defeats of top seeds, these upsets have etched themselves into the tournament's lore. Here, we delve into the top 10 biggest upsets in March Madness history, examining the games that defied expectations and left a lasting impact on the tournament.
1. Villanova vs. Georgetown (1985)
In the 1985 NCAA Championship game, eighth-seeded Villanova faced off against the defending champion and top-seeded Georgetown. In one of the most iconic upsets in tournament history, Villanova executed a near-perfect game, shooting an astonishing 78.6% from the field to secure a 66-64 victory. This win marked the lowest seed to win the championship and solidified Villanova's place in March Madness history.
2. UMBC vs. Virginia (2018)
In a historic upset, 16th-seeded UMBC Retrievers made tournament history by becoming the first 16th seed to defeat a number one seed. They outplayed top-seeded Virginia, winning the game 74-54. UMBC's victory sent shockwaves through the basketball world, showcasing the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
3. NC State vs. Houston (1983)
The 1983 NCAA Championship game saw sixth-seeded NC State pitted against the heavily favored Houston, led by future NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. In a thrilling finish, NC State's Lorenzo Charles scored on a dunk at the buzzer, securing a 54-52 victory and completing one of the most improbable title runs in tournament history.
4. Chaminade vs. Virginia (1982)
In a regular-season game during the 1982 Maui Invitational Tournament, the little-known Chaminade, an NAIA school, stunned the top-ranked and nationally respected Virginia Cavaliers. This 77-72 victory remains one of the most astonishing upsets in college basketball history, showcasing the unpredictability of the sport.
5. George Mason vs. UConn (2006)
In the 2006 Elite Eight, 11th-seeded George Mason faced off against top-seeded UConn. George Mason, a mid-major school, displayed remarkable resilience and skill, securing a 86-84 overtime victory over UConn. This Cinderella run saw George Mason become the second 11th seed to reach the Final Four, captivating fans with their underdog story.
6. Lehigh vs. Duke (2012)
In 2012, 15th-seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks pulled off a stunning upset against second-seeded Duke in the Round of 64. Lehigh's star guard, C.J. McCollum, delivered a stellar performance, leading his team to a 75-70 victory over the perennial powerhouse Duke. This victory highlighted the unpredictability that makes March Madness so compelling.
7. Middle Tennessee vs. Michigan State (2016)
In a first-round game of the 2016 tournament, 15th-seeded Middle Tennessee shocked the basketball world by defeating second-seeded Michigan State 90-81. The Blue Raiders' victory over the highly favored Spartans demonstrated the parity and excitement that define March Madness.
8. Norfolk State vs. Missouri (2012)
In another 15 vs. 2 upset from the 2012 tournament, Norfolk State secured a historic 86-84 victory over second-seeded Missouri. This win showcased the inherent drama and unpredictability that makes March Madness a captivating event for fans worldwide.
9. Santa Clara vs. Arizona (1993)
In the first round of the 1993 tournament, 15th-seeded Santa Clara pulled off a shocking upset against second-seeded Arizona. Led by guard Steve Nash, Santa Clara's 64-61 victory over Arizona highlighted the tournament's ability to produce stunning underdog triumphs.
10. Princeton vs. UCLA (1996)
In the first round of the 1996 tournament, 13th-seeded Princeton Tigers stunned fourth-seeded UCLA with a 43-41 victory. Princeton's disciplined play and precise execution resulted in one of the most memorable upsets in the history of March Madness.
March Madness has produced some of the most thrilling and unpredictable moments in sports history, and these 10 upsets exemplify the tournament's capacity for surprise and drama. From historic underdog victories to shocking defeats of top seeds, these games have left an indelible mark on the tournament and continue to inspire fans and athletes alike. As March Madness continues to unfold each year, the allure of the unexpected remains a defining feature of this iconic sporting event.
