March Madness, the NCAA college basketball tournament, has been the stage for the best rivalries and matchups between the 68 teams that are part of the event, with several examples to prove it.
From the unexpected victory of NC State in 1983, which shook the basketball world, to Villanova‘s historic win in 2016 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that will go down in sports history, there have undoubtedly been great moments.
These finals have sparked so much conversation that sometimes it feels like the tournament lives for those magical clashes. This ranking is not just a recap of games won; it is a tribute to the stories of perseverance, chaos and glory.
2010 – Duke vs. Butler (61-59)
Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils attempts a shot against the Butler Bulldogs during the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game. (Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In a final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the Duke Blue Devils were crowned champions after defeating the Butler Bulldogs 61-59. The key to Duke’s victory was their relentless defense, which held Butler without a field goal for more than seven minutes in the final stretch of the game.
Brian Zoubek, with his presence under the basket, was crucial by grabbing 11 rebounds and making a vital free throw in the final seconds. Meanwhile, Butler, with a 25-game winning streak, fought until the end, but a missed half-court shot by Gordon Hayward at the buzzer prevented the miracle.
2016 – Villanova vs. North Carolina (77-74)
Jalen Brunson #1 and Ryan Arcidiacono #15 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrate defeating UNC Asheville Bulldogs 86 to 56 during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)
In one of the most electrifying finals in recent history, Villanova claimed the title with a last-second three-pointer by Kris Jenkins, defeating North Carolina 77-74. The play unfolded after Marcus Paige tied the game with a three-pointer for the Tar Heels.
Phil Booth led Villanova with 20 points, while Jenkins added 14, including the decisive shot. This victory gave Villanova its first national championship since 1985, solidifying its place among the elites of college basketball.
1964 – Loyola (Chicago) vs. Cincinnati (60-58)
In a final that defied expectations, Loyola of Chicago defeated Cincinnati 60-58 in overtime. This game is remembered for Loyola’s bravery in facing the powerful Cincinnati dynasty, which was seeking its third consecutive title.
Loyola’s victory not only broke Cincinnati’s dominance but also highlighted the importance of racial integration in sports, as Loyola fielded four African-American players in its starting lineup, challenging the social norms of the time.
1993 – North Carolina vs. Michigan (77-71)
North Carolina was crowned champion after defeating Michigan 77-71 in a final marked by intensity and strategy. The Tar Heels’ stellar performance included solid defense and efficient offense, while the Wolverines, known as the “Fab Five”, showcased their youthful talent and energy.
This game is remembered for its competitiveness and for marking a turning point in college basketball history, highlighting the transition from an era dominated by experienced teams to one where young prodigies could also shine.
1979 – Michigan State vs. Indiana State (75-64)
The 1979 final is iconic for being the first national showdown between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Michigan State, led by Johnson, defeated Bird’s Indiana State 75-64.
This game was significant not only for the individual talent of both players but also for marking the start of a rivalry that would define the NBA in the following decades. The media coverage of this matchup elevated the profile of college basketball, attracting a broader audience and setting new standards for promoting the sport.
1982 – North Carolina vs. Georgetown (63-62)
In a final decided by a narrow margin, North Carolina defeated Georgetown 63-62. The decisive play was a last-second shot by Michael Jordan, securing the victory for the Tar Heels. This game is remembered for Georgetown’s strategy under coach John Thompson and the skill of North Carolina’s players, including James Worthy and Sam Perkins.
The win solidified Dean Smith‘s reputation as one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history and emphasized the importance of execution in critical moments.
1966 – Texas Western vs. Kentucky (72-65)
The 1966 final is historic for being the first game where a racially integrated team (Texas Western) defeated a predominantly white team (Kentucky) 72-65. This game had a significant impact on American society, reflecting the social changes and the civil rights struggle in the country.
Texas Western’s victory demonstrated that talent and skill were not determined by skin color, challenging the existing norms and prejudices in both sports and society at large.
1985 – Villanova vs. Georgetown (66-64)
Villanova shocked Patrick Ewing & Georgetown to win the national title. (Source: @SportsCenter)
In an unexpected final, Villanova defeated Georgetown 66-64 in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Villanova, as the lower-seeded team, executed a perfect strategy, controlling the pace of the game and seizing every opportunity.
Villanova’s performance is remembered for its precision in shooting and its ability to remain calm under pressure, while Georgetown, known for its dominant playing style, was unable to impose its will on the game.
1983 – NC State vs. Houston (54-52)
1983’s all-time classic between North Carolina State and Houston. (Source: @espn)
The 1983 final is remembered for the surprising victory of NC State over Houston, known as “Phi Slama Jama”, 54-52. Coach Jim Valvano guided NC State with a game strategy that neutralized Houston’s offensive power.
The victory is emblematic of how determination and strategy can overcome physical superiority and individual talent, becoming a lesson in humility and perseverance in sports.
1957 – North Carolina vs. Kansas (54-53)
The 1957 final is one of the most iconic in NCAA history, with North Carolina defeating Kansas 54-53 in an epic three-overtime thriller. The game is remembered for its dramatic finish and intense competition.
North Carolina, led by coach Frank McGuire and star player Lennie Rosenbluth, managed to outlast Kansas after a back-and-forth battle that lasted three overtimes.
Kansas had the lead at multiple points in the game, but North Carolina’s resilience and clutch plays, including Rosenbluth’s pivotal free throws, helped secure the victory. This win marked NC’s first national title and established the Tar Heels as a major force in college basketball.
1992 – Duke vs. Kansas (72-65)
The 1992 final between Duke and Kansas is remembered for the legendary performance of Duke’s Christian Laettner, who was the standout player of the game. Duke defeated Kansas 72-65, with him scoring 20 points and leading his team to victory. The game also featured a stellar performance by Kansas’ Danny Manning, who kept the Jayhawks competitive throughout the game.
However, Duke’s strong defense and the sharpshooting of Laettner helped them overcome Kansas in a hard-fought battle. This victory gave Duke its second national title under coach Mike Krzyzewski and solidified the program’s place among college basketball’s elite.
2008 – Kansas vs. Memphis (75-68 OT)
Sherron Collins #4 and the Kansas Jayhawks celebrate after defeating the Memphis Tigers 75-68 in overtime during the 2008 NCAA Men’s National Championship game. (Source: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The 2008 final between Kansas and Memphis is considered one of the most thrilling in NCAA history. Kansas defeated Memphis 75-68 in overtime, after Memphis had led for most of the game, including a nine-point lead with less than two minutes left.
Kansas, led by Mario Chalmers, mounted a dramatic comeback in the final moments of regulation, with Chalmers hitting a game-tying three-pointer with just 2.1 seconds remaining.
In overtime, Kansas took control, and the Jayhawks secured the victory. The game is remembered for its dramatic momentum swings, clutch plays, and Chalmers’ game-tying shot, which became one of the most iconic moments in NCAA history.
2012 – Kentucky vs. Kansas (67-59)
Doron Lamb of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after he made a 3-point shot in the first half against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
In 2012,Kentucky defeated Kansas 67-59 to win their eighth national title. The Wildcats, under coach John Calipari, were led by star freshmen Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Davis, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, was dominant on both ends of the court, finishing the final with 6 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Kansas kept the game competitive, but Kentucky‘s superior talent and athleticism proved too much for the Jayhawks.
1997 – Arizona vs. Kentucky (84-79 OT)
The 1997 NCAA final between Arizona and Kentucky was one of the most exciting in recent history, with Arizona defeating Kentucky 84-79 in overtime. The game featured a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging momentum throughout the contest.
Arizona, led by coach Lute Olson, was propelled by guard Miles Simon, who was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, finishing with 30 points. Kentucky, coached by Rick Pitino, had an extremely talented squad featuring future NBA stars, but Arizona’s defense and clutch performances from Simon helped seal the win.
The victory gave Arizona its first national title and marked the beginning of a new era for the Wildcats, while also elevating Arizona’s place among the elite college basketball programs.
