Every March, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament—fondly dubbed “March Madness“—captures the nation’s attention with its thrilling blend of athleticism, strategy, unpredictability and of course, great rivalries.
While fans eagerly anticipate buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, it’s the monumental upsets that etch themselves into the annals of sports history. These unexpected victories, where underdogs defy the odds and topple giants.
From last-second heroics to dominant performances by lower-seeded teams, these shocking outcomes remind us that in the realm of college basketball, anything is possible. Relive the 15 most unforgettable upsets…
Princeton vs. Georgetown, 1989
On March 17, 1989, at the Providence Civic Center in Rhode Island, the Princeton Tigers, seeded number 16, came close to achieving one of the biggest upsets in tournament history against the Georgetown Hoyas, seeded number 1.
Under the leadership of coach Pete Carril, Princeton implemented its characteristic “Princeton offense”, based on precise passing and a controlled game pace, allowing them to lead 29-21 at halftime.
Georgetown, featuring stars like Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo, had to give their best effort to make a comeback. The game was decided in the final seconds when Mourning blocked a Princeton shot attempt, securing a 50-49 victory for Georgetown.
This game is remembered as “the game that saved March Madness” because its competitiveness helped maintain the tournament’s inclusive format.
ETSU vs. Oklahoma, 1989
In the same year, East Tennessee State University (ETSU), seeded at number 16, found themselves up against the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners, seeded number 1.
ETSU stunned the basketball world by leading for much of the game, showcasing resilience and determination. Though Oklahoma eked out a 72-71 victory, this game highlighted the thrilling uncertainty and excitement that make March Madness a spectacle like no other.
Murray State vs. Michigan State, 1990
Fast forward to 1990, when Murray State, also a 16-seed, took the mighty Michigan State Spartans to overtime in a clash that few could have predicted. Murray State displayed a level of grit and tenacity that pushed Michigan State to their limits. Despite falling 75-71 in overtime, their performance left an unforgettable imprint on the tournament’s history.
Missouri vs. UCLA, 1995
In 1995, another remarkable clash unfolded when the Missouri Tigers, seeded number 8, faced the number 1 UCLA Bruins. Missouri’s relentless energy and tactical play caught UCLA off guard, leading for much of the contest.
Though UCLA eventually snatched a 75-74 victory in the closing moments, the game became a benchmark for how a number 1 seed could be pushed to its breaking point.
Western Carolina vs. Purdue, 1996
In 1996, the Western Carolina Catamounts, a number 16 seed, nearly made history by upsetting the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers. With the game hanging in the balance right until the final buzzer, Western Carolina proved that no team should be overlooked in the madness of March. Despite Purdue’s narrow 73-71 win, their performance remains one of the most memorable in tournament lore.
Winthrop vs. Tennessee, 2006
The 2006 NCAA Tournament brought another shocker when the 15-seeded Winthrop Eagles faced the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers. Winthrop displayed incredible tenacity and kept the game tight until the very end.
Though Tennessee scraped by with a 63-61 victory, the game underscored how the gap between high and low seeds can sometimes be razor-thin in this unpredictable tournament.
Albany vs. UConn, 2006
That same year, Albany, a 16-seed, squared off against the top-ranked UConn Huskies. Albany stunned many by holding the lead at various points and giving UConn a serious scare. Although UConn eventually triumphed 72-59, Albany’s courage and heart in the face of adversity became an unforgettable storyline in NCAA Tournament history.
Xavier vs. Ohio State, 2007
The 2007 showdown between the Xavier Musketeers (9-seed) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (1-seed) was a battle for the ages. Xavier pushed Ohio State to overtime, proving that they could hang with the best. Ultimately, Ohio State claimed a 78-71 overtime victory, but Xavier’s performance left a lasting impression on the hearts of fans and analysts alike.
Butler vs. Duke, 2010
In 2010, the Butler Bulldogs (5-seed) faced the Duke Blue Devils (1-seed) in a nail-biting NCAA Tournament final. As the underdog, Butler stayed within striking distance the entire game, nearly pulling off the upset with a last-second shot. Duke ultimately prevailed 61-59, but Butler’s grit and determination remain one of the most valiant efforts in tournament history.
Florida Gulf Coast vs. Georgetown, 2013
Jabril Trawick #55 of the Georgetown Hoyas talks to a referee in the second half against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles during the second round of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
On March 22, 2013, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 15th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast Eagles captivated the nation by defeating the 2nd-seeded Georgetown Hoyas 78-68.
With their high-flying style and exhilarating dunks, the Eagles earned the nickname “Dunk City”. This win not only shocked fans but also propelled Florida Gulf Coast to the Sweet 16, making them the first 15-seed to reach that stage in tournament history.
Middle Tennessee vs. Michigan State, 2016
Matt Costello and Jaqawn Raymond compete for a loose ball in the second half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
The 15th-seeded Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders delivered a shocking 90-81 victory over the 2nd-seeded Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2016, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Middle Tennessee established an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, never allowing Michigan State to catch up. This upset was especially surprising, as Michigan State was widely considered a strong contender for the national title that year.
UMBC vs. Virginia, 2018
Jourdan Grant and teammate Arkel Lamar react after a score against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
In 2018, the UMBC Retrievers made history by becoming the first number 16 seed to defeat a number 1 seed, the Virginia Cavaliers. UMBC dominated the game, winning 74-54 and defying all expectations. This victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of college basketball.
Oral Roberts vs. Ohio State, 2021
Carlos Jurgens drives to the basket in the first half against E.J. Liddell #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournamen. (Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
An unforgettable upset occurred on March 19, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, when the 15th-seeded Oral Roberts Golden Eagles edged out the 2nd-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes 75-72 in overtime.
Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor led the charge for Oral Roberts, combining for 59 points. This win marked the first time since 2016 that a 15-seed advanced to the second round, reinforcing the thrilling unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Peter’s vs. Kentucky, 2022
Keion Brooks Jr. competes for a loose ball against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks during the first half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
March 17, 2022, became a historic day for the Saint Peter’s Peacocks when the 15th-seeded team shocked the 2nd-seeded Kentucky Wildcats 85-79 in overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Displaying remarkable grit and composure, Saint Peter’s matched Kentucky’s intensity and delivered clutch plays during key moments. Beyond the significant seed difference, this victory symbolized the unpredictable magic of March Madness and cemented Saint Peter’s place in tournament lore.
Princeton vs. Arizona, 2023
Kerr Kriisa #25 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts to a play against the Princeton Tigers during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2023. (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In a stunning upset on March 16, 2023, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, the 15th-seeded Princeton Tigers defeated the 2nd-seeded Arizona Wildcats 59-55. This game marked the 11th time a 15-seed had beaten a 2-seed in NCAA Tournament history.
Princeton’s tenacious defense held one of the nation’s most potent offenses to just 55 points—their lowest output of the season. Tosan Evbuomwan led the Tigers with 15 points, while Arizona struggled from three-point range, converting only 3 of 16 attempts. This win was Princeton’s first in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, earning them a spot in the second round against Missouri.
