Every year, millions of fans eagerly fill out their March Madness brackets, hoping to predict the next Cinderella story or shocking upset. The men’s NCAA tournament is known for its unpredictable nature, where lower-seeded teams often rise to the occasion and topple giants.
This article delves into some of the biggest upsets in the history of the men’s NCAA tournament, highlighting the moments that left fans and analysts alike in awe.
The Magic of 16-Over-1 Upsets
The men’s NCAA tournament has seen No. 16 seeds achieve the impossible by defeating No. 1 seeds. These rare moments are etched in the annals of NCAA tournament history.
Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Purdue, 2023
The more I watch Purdue, the more I think we can beat them, said Fairleigh Dickinson coach Tobin Anderson. His prophetic words came true as Fairleigh Dickinson stunned Purdue with a 63-58 victory.
The Knights were led by standout performances from Sean Moore, Demetre Roberts, Grant Singleton, and Cameron Tweedy. Despite Zach Edey’s valiant effort for Purdue, Fairleigh Dickinson’s triumph marked only the second instance of a No. 16 seed defeating a No. 1 seed.
UMBC vs. Virginia, 2018
In 2018, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Retrievers made history by becoming the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, and they did so in dominant fashion. UMBC routed Virginia 74-54, shooting an impressive 54.2% from the field.
Jairus Lyles, Arkel Lamar, and Joe Sherburne led the charge, showcasing that a lower seed could indeed topple a top-seeded powerhouse.
15-Over-2 Upsets: The Cinderella Stories
While 16-over-1 upsets are exceedingly rare, No. 15 seeds have also had their share of magical moments, taking down No. 2 seeds and capturing the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
Princeton vs. Arizona, 2023
The 2023 tournament saw Princeton’s Tigers shock Arizona with a 59-55 victory. Tosan Evbuomwan was the lone player in double figures for Princeton, but the Tigers’ balanced scoring and staunch defense sealed the upset.
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Princeton’s journey continued to the Sweet 16, where they eventually fell to No. 6 Creighton.
Saint Peter’s vs. Kentucky, 2022
Saint Peter’s Peacocks pulled off a stunning 85-79 win over the Kentucky Wildcats in 2022. The Peacocks’ hot shooting from beyond the arc, led by Daryl Banks III and Doug Edert, was instrumental in their victory.
Despite Oscar Tshiebwe’s remarkable performance for Kentucky, Saint Peter’s advanced to the Elite 8, where they were finally bested by No. 8 North Carolina.
Oral Roberts vs. Ohio State, 2021
Oral Roberts entered the 2021 NCAA tournament as a No. 15 seed and made the most of their opportunity by defeating Ohio State 75-72 in an overtime thriller. Kevin Obanor and Max Abmas led the Golden Eagles, who advanced to the Sweet 16 before being eliminated by No. 3 Arkansas.
Middle Tennessee vs. Michigan State, 2016
In 2016, Middle Tennessee shocked Michigan State with a 90-81 victory. All five of the Blue Raiders’ starters scored in double figures, with Reggie Upshaw and Giddy Potts leading the way.
Middle Tennessee’s Cinderella run ended in the second round against No. 10 Syracuse.
Florida Gulf Coast vs. Georgetown, 2013
Florida Gulf Coast, also known as “Dunk City,” made a memorable debut in the 2013 tournament by defeating Georgetown 78-68. Sherwood Brown, Bernard Thompson, and Brett Comer led FGCU to the Sweet 16, where they eventually lost to No. 3 Florida.
Norfolk State vs. Missouri, 2012
Norfolk State’s 86-84 win over Missouri in 2012 was another unforgettable upset. Kyle O’Quinn, Pendarvis Williams, and Chris McEachin were the stars for Norfolk State, who lost in the second round to No. 7 Florida.
O’Quinn’s standout performance earned him a spot in the NBA.
Lehigh vs. Duke, 2012
Lehigh’s C.J. McCollum put on a show in 2012, leading his team to a 75-70 victory over Duke. McCollum’s 30-point performance, along with contributions from Gabe Knutson, helped Lehigh pull off the upset.
McCollum’s heroics would later propel him to a successful NBA career.
Hampton vs. Iowa State, 2001
In 2001, Hampton shocked Iowa State with a 58-57 win. Tarvis Williams’ dominant performance, along with contributions from Marseilles Brown, led Hampton to this historic victory.
Although they lost in the second round to No. 10 Georgetown, the win was a significant milestone for the program.
Coppin State vs. South Carolina, 1997
Coppin State’s 78-65 victory over South Carolina in 1997 was a landmark moment for the HBCU program. Terquin Mott, Danny Singletary, and Antoine Brockington led the Eagles to their first NCAA tournament win.
Despite losing to No. 10 Texas in the second round, Coppin State’s upset remains a highlight in tournament history.
Santa Clara vs. Arizona, 1993
Santa Clara, led by Pete Eisenrich, John Woolery, and a young Steve Nash, defeated Arizona 64-61 in 1993. Nash, who would go on to become a two-time NBA MVP, played a crucial role in the upset, showcasing his potential early in his career.
Richmond vs. Syracuse, 1991
Richmond’s 73-69 victory over Syracuse in 1991 was the first time a No. 15 seed defeated a No. 2 seed. Curtis Blair, Terry Connolly, and Kenny Wood led the Spiders, who never trailed in the game.
Richmond’s upset set the stage for future Cinderella stories in the NCAA tournament.
These historic upsets are a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the men’s NCAA tournament. They remind us that in March Madness, anything is possible.
For more details on these unforgettable moments, you can revisit the biggest upsets in men’s NCAA tournament history on ESPN.
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