Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have made significant contributions to collegiate athletics, particularly in men’s basketball. Over the years, these institutions have not only participated in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament but have also secured notable victories.
This blog post delves into the history and achievements of HBCUs in the tournament, highlighting their resilience, triumphs, and the impact they’ve had on the sport.
HBCU March Madness Wins by School
HBCUs have collectively won 16 games in the Division I men’s basketball tournament. The schools that have achieved these victories are:
- Alcorn State: 3 wins
- Texas Southern: 3 wins
- Hampton: 2 wins
- Norfolk State: 2 wins
- Coppin State: 1 win
- Florida A&M: 1 win
- Grambling State: 1 win
- North Carolina A&T: 1 win
- Southern: 1 win
- Alabama State: 1 win
Alcorn State and Texas Southern: Leading the Pack
Both Alcorn State and Texas Southern have been trailblazers, each securing three wins in the tournament. Alcorn State’s victories date back to the early 1980s, with their most recent win in 1984 against Houston Baptist. Texas Southern, on the other hand, has seen success in more recent years, with wins in 2022 and 2021.
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HBCU March Madness Wins by Conference
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) have been the primary conferences representing HBCUs in the tournament. The SWAC has a slight edge with nine wins, while the MEAC has seven.
- SWAC: 9 wins
- MEAC: 7 wins
SWAC’s Dominance
The SWAC’s dominance in the tournament is evident through the consistent performance of its member schools. Alcorn State and Texas Southern have been the flag bearers for the conference, contributing significantly to its overall win tally.
Complete History of HBCU Wins
Let’s take a closer look at the detailed history of every HBCU win during March Madness:
- 2025: No. 16 Alabama State vs. No. 16 Saint Francis – First Four, 70-68
- 2024: No. 16 Grambling State vs. No. 16 Montana State – First Four, 88-81
- 2022: No. 16 Texas Southern vs. No. 16 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi – First Four, 76-67
- 2021: No. 16 Texas Southern vs. No. 16 Mt. St. Mary’s – First Four, 60-52
- 2021: No. 16 Norfolk State vs. No. 16 Appalachian State – First Four, 54-53
- 2018: No. 16 Texas Southern vs. No. 16 N.C. Central – First Four, 64-46
- 2015: No. 16 Hampton vs. No. 16 Manhattan – First Four, 74-64
- 2013: No. 16 North Carolina A&T vs. No. 16 Liberty – First Four, 73-72
- 2012: No. 15 Norfolk State vs. No. 2 Missouri – 1st Round, 86-84
- 2004: No. 16 Florida A&M vs. No. 16 Lehigh – Opening Round, 72-57
- 2001: No. 15 Hampton vs. No. 2 Iowa State – 1st Round, 58-57
- 1997: No. 15 Coppin State vs. No. 2 South Carolina – 1st Round, 78-65
- 1993: No. 13 Southern vs. No. 4 Georgia Tech – 1st Round, 93-78
- 1984: Alcorn State vs. Houston Baptist – Preliminary Round, 79-60
- 1983: Alcorn State vs. Xavier – Preliminary Round, 81-75
- 1980: No. 8 Alcorn State vs. No. 9 South Alabama – 1st Round, 70-62
Notable Upsets
Among these victories, several stand out as monumental upsets. In 2012, Norfolk State’s win over No. 2 Missouri, and in 2001, Hampton’s victory against No. 2 Iowa State, are etched in the annals of NCAA Tournament history. These wins not only showcased the talent and determination of HBCU teams but also brought significant attention to their programs.
Impact on HBCU Programs
The success of HBCU teams in the NCAA Tournament has had a profound impact on their athletic programs and institutions as a whole. These victories have helped in:
- Increasing Visibility: Wins in the tournament have brought national attention to HBCU programs, highlighting their competitiveness and talent.
- Boosting Recruitment: Successful tournament runs have made HBCUs more attractive to prospective student-athletes, enhancing their recruitment efforts.
- Fostering School Pride: These victories have instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment among students, alumni, and supporters of HBCUs.
Future Prospects
The future looks promising for HBCU basketball programs. With continued investment in athletics, improved recruitment, and the growing recognition of their achievements, HBCUs are poised to make even more significant strides in the NCAA Tournament.
Conclusion
The history of HBCUs in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination. From early victories in the 1980s to recent successes, these schools have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest levels.
As we look forward to future tournaments, the legacy of HBCU basketball will undoubtedly continue to grow, inspiring new generations of athletes and fans alike.
For a more detailed account of every HBCU that has won a men’s NCAA tournament game in history, visit the NCAA’s official site.
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