NCAA March Madness is an annual single-elimination tournament in men’s college basketball. Today, March Madness comprises 68 teams from NCAA Division I.
The first 32 teams automatically enter the tournament after winning their respective NCAA conference. A Selection Committee chooses the remaining 36 spots on Selection Sunday before March Madness begins.
The four lowest-ranked conference champions play the four lowest-ranked at-large teams for the First Four games. Then, the bracket is filled out regarding four regions: East, West, North, and South.
Most people who don’t usually watch college basketball know about the March Madness tournament. It’s one of the most popular sporting events yearly, other than the Super Bowl.
The American Gaming Association predicted that 45 million Americans might bet on the 2022 March Madness tournament for $3.1 billion.
Kansas, the number one seed from the Midwest, beat UNC, the eighth seed from the East, 72-69.
Here’s a look at some of the most absurd moments in college basketball history.
Northern Iowa Upsets Kansas in the Second Round in 2010
Kansas maintains one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country. They beat Missouri 75-68 in overtime in 2008 for their third NCAA title.
Ranked No. 1 in the 2010 tournament, the Kansas Jayhawks lost to the No. 9 seed Northern Iowa Panthers.
With 34 seconds remaining, Panthers guard Ali Farokhmanesh sank a three-pointer for a game-winning shot.
The Panthers made 16 out of 19 free throws and committed less than ten turnovers during the game.
It was an excellent performance that eliminated the number one overall seed in the entire tournament.
Duke vs Butler in the 2010 National Championship Game
The 2010 March Madness bracket culminated in one of the best championship games in tournament history. Duke emerged from the South as a number one seed. Butler defeated No. 1 Syracuse and No. 2 Kansas St. as a fifth seed to reach the Final Four.
The national championship game came down to the last four seconds.
Brian Zoubek, a seven-foot-one center for Duke, purposefully missed a free throw to keep the game clock moving.
Gordon Hayward, Butler’s leader throughout the tournament, grabbed the rebound. He heaved a desperate half-court shot at the buzzer and missed.
The Duke Blue Devils won the championship, beating Butler 61-59.
Villanova Buzzer Beater Against UNC in the 2016 National Championship
The 2016 National Championship game saw two of the most illustrious coaches in college basketball go head-to-head. Jay Wright of No. 2 Villanova took on Roy Williams and No. 1 North Carolina.
With 4.7 seconds left, the game tied at 74 apiece, Ryan Arcidiacono received an in-bound pass from the Villanova baseline. He took the ball across midcourt and gave a side pass to Kris Jenkins.
Jenkins took a shot from NBA three-point range and drained it as the final buzzer sounded. It became one of those moments that proved how college basketball could be more entertaining than professional sports.
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No. 15 Norfolk State Beats No. 2 Missouri
As a No. 15 seed, Norfolk State defeated No. 2 Missouri, 86-84, in the 2012 NCAA tournament. It was the first time a No. 15 seed beat a No. 2 seed since 2001.
The historic upset completely reshaped the West region. Even U.S. President Barack Obama had Missouri going deep into his bracket.
Norfolk State lost their next game to No. 7 Florida, 84-50.
But the team became one to remember with a big win against a No. 2 seed.
No. 16 UMBC Stunned No. 1 Virginia in 2018
Virginia maintained a 31-2 record and was the overall number-one seed in the 2018 NCAA tournament. With a 24-10 record, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) won the America East tournament to become a number 16 seed.
Virginia had been a 20.5-point favorite to beat UMBC.
UMBC scored 53 points in the second half to destroy Virginia 74-54 in a stunning victory. It was the first time a No. 16 seed beat a No. 1 seed in the tournament’s history.
Almost 18,000 fans were in attendance, and 3.54 million viewers watched the most remarkable upset ever in March Madness.
Conclusion
Some of the most absurd moments in college basketball come from the March Madness tournament. It remains one of the most significant sporting events on the calendar.
From work office pools to a U.S. president’s bracket, the NCAA tournament is a massive part of American culture.
It shows that young athletes are significant in society. Many go on to become professional stars in the NBA. They have huge salaries and powerful endorsements and may even draw a franchise tag.
Players can make or break their careers during the March Madness tournament.
What does your bracket look like this year?