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Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

The biggest upsets in men’s NCAA tournament history

nick By Nick Gemelli
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 24: A view of the March Madness logo at center court before the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Villanova Wildcats in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 24, 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There’s a reason why they call it March Madness.

Upsets in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament have been the norm for decades. This year has been no exception, number one seed North Carolina is out, other high seeds like Iowa St., Arizona and Kentucky have also been sent packing.

While UCONN remains the top team, and looks like it’s on a mission to capture back-to-back National Championships, would anyone really be surprised to see their bracket get busted once again because of an unforeseen upset?

As mentioned earlier, there’s been no shortage of them over the years, some going back over 40 years. Below is a list of some of the more memorable ones, in no particular order.

  • 1996 - #13 Seed Princeton upsets the defending national champion UCLA

     

    In 1996, #13 seed Princeton pulled off an upset by defeating the defending national champion UCLA

  • 2023 - #16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson shocks #1 seed Purdue

     

    In 2023, #16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson stunned everyone by defeating #1 seed Purdue, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball tournaments.

  • 1991 - Duke takes down 34-0 and #1 seed UNLV

     

    In 1991, Duke upset #1 seed UNLV, ending their unbeaten streak. This surprising victory showcased the thrilling unpredictability of college basketball tournaments. It’s a memorable moment in NCAA history.

  • 1991- #15 Richmond shocks the #2 seed Syracuse Orangeman

     

    Richmond’s surprising win over the heavily favored #2 seed Syracuse Orangeman demonstrated the tournament’s capacity to deliver shocking results in NCAA history.

  • 2022- #15 seed Saint Peter’s takes down #2 Kentucky

     

    Saint Peter’s remarkable upset victory against powerhouse Kentucky exemplified the magic and unpredictability of March Madness.

  • 2006- 11th seed George Mason topple #1 seed UCONN in the regional final

     

    George Mason’s Cinderella run, culminating in a victory over top-seeded UCONN, showcased the tournament’s capacity for lower-seeded teams to defy expectations and make historic runs.

  • 2018 - #16 UMBC trounces #1 Virginia

     

    The first time ever a #16 seed knocks off a #1 seed when UMBC trounces Virgina by 20 points.

  • 2013 - #15 Florida Gulf Coast University defeats the #2 seed Georgetown Hoyas

     

    Making their first-ever appearance in the tournament, #15 Florida Gulf Coast University defeated the #2 seed Georgetown Hoyas

  • 1983 - North Carolina State upsets Houston in the title game

     

    Houston’s starting lineup consisted of two future NBA hall of famers, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.

  • 1985 - Villanova edges Georgetown for the NCAA championship

     

    In what many consider the biggest upset of all, Pat Ewing and the mighty Hoyas were beaten by their Big East rival in the title game.

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