March Madness is synonymous with thrilling upsets, and nothing epitomizes that more than the rare but exhilarating victories of No. 15 seeds over No. 2 seeds.
As of the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, there have been 11 such upsets, with the most recent being Princeton’s stunning victory over Arizona in 2023.
This blog post delves into the history of these monumental games, analyzing the trends, key moments, and the teams that have etched their names into March Madness lore.
The Unlikely Heroes: A History of No. 15 Seeds Upsetting No. 2 Seeds
When Princeton shocked Arizona 59-55 in the first round of the 2023 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, it marked the 11th time a No. 15 seed had defeated a No. 2 seed.
This victory continued a historic trend, making it the third consecutive year where a No. 15 seed toppled a No. 2 seed. This remarkable feat had never before been achieved in NCAA tournament history.
A Closer Look at the Historic Upsets
To understand the gravity of these upsets, one must look back at each instance where a No. 15 seed emerged victorious over a No. 2 seed:
- 2023: Princeton def. Arizona, 59-55
- 2022: Saint Peter’s def. Kentucky, 85-79
- 2021: Oral Roberts def. Ohio State, 75-72
- 2016: Middle Tennessee def. Michigan State, 90-81
- 2013: Florida Gulf Coast def. Georgetown, 78-68
- 2012: Norfolk State def. Missouri, 86-84
- 2012: Lehigh def. Duke, 75-70
- 2001: Hampton def. Iowa State, 58-57
- 1997: Coppin State def. South Carolina, 78-65
- 1993: Santa Clara def. Arizona, 64-61
- 1991: Richmond def. Syracuse, 73-69
These games are more than just numbers; they are stories of grit, determination, and the unpredictable nature of sports.
The Trends and Patterns in March Madness Upsets
One of the most fascinating aspects of these upsets is the patterns they reveal.
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For instance, the 2012 tournament was the first and only time two No. 15 seeds won in the same year. Norfolk State and Lehigh both secured victories on the same night, stunning Missouri and Duke, respectively.
Consecutive Years of Upsets
Another noteworthy trend is the occurrence of upsets in consecutive years.
From 2021 to 2023, a No. 15 seed defeated a No. 2 seed each year, a streak that had never been seen before in NCAA tournament history. This period saw:
- Oral Roberts defeating Ohio State in 2021
- Saint Peter’s overcoming Kentucky in 2022
- Princeton shocking Arizona in 2023
Such consecutive upsets highlight the increasing competitiveness and unpredictability of March Madness.
Notable Performances and Close Calls
While the victories of No. 15 seeds are legendary, several close calls also deserve mention. These near-upsets add another layer of excitement to the tournament.
Winthrop vs. Tennessee, 2006
In 2006, Winthrop nearly pulled off an upset against No. 2 Tennessee. Despite a valiant effort, Chris Lofton’s late-game heroics secured a narrow victory for Tennessee.
Belmont vs. Duke, 2008
Belmont led Duke by one point with just two minutes remaining in the 2008 tournament. However, the Blue Devils managed to eke out a 71-70 win, thanks to Gerald Henderson’s 21-point performance.
Robert Morris vs. Villanova, 2010
In 2010, Robert Morris took Villanova to overtime, leading by six points at halftime. Despite their best efforts, Villanova prevailed 73-70, with Scottie Reynolds scoring 20 points to carry his team to victory.
The Impact of These Upsets on March Madness
The impact of these upsets extends beyond the immediate thrill of victory. They have long-term implications for the teams, players, and the tournament itself.
Advancement to Later Rounds
Four No. 15 seeds have advanced to the Sweet 16, starting with Florida Gulf Coast in 2013. This trend continued with:
- Oral Roberts in 2021
- Saint Peter’s in 2022
- Princeton in 2023
Saint Peter’s even made it to the Elite Eight in 2022, defeating No. 2 Kentucky, No. 7 Murray State, and No. 3 Purdue along the way.
Such deep runs by lower-seeded teams captivate fans and underscore the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The history of No. 15 seeds defeating No. 2 seeds is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of March Madness. These upsets remind us that in sports, anything is possible.
As we look forward to future tournaments, the possibility of more historic upsets adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
Increased Competitiveness
The increasing frequency of these upsets suggests a growing competitiveness in college basketball. Teams seeded lower are no longer seen as mere participants but as legitimate threats capable of toppling higher-seeded giants.
Fan Engagement
These upsets also contribute to heightened fan engagement.
The allure of witnessing a historic upset draws more viewers. It also creates unforgettable moments that are replayed and discussed for years to come.
For a detailed history of these remarkable games, visit the NCAA’s official page on the history of 2 seeds vs. 15 seeds in March Madness.
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