The NCAA Basketball Tournament: A Look at its Top Moments in History

With the 2023 version of March Madness nearly upon us we thought we'd take look at some of the top
moments in the history of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  For those living in a hole in the ground, the NCAA Basketball Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the sports world. It features 68 of the best college basketball teams from across the United States competing for the national championship in a single elimination tournament. It is a time of excitement, upsets, and unforgettable moments. It's called "Madness" for a reason and here are some of the top reasons why.

Christian Laettner's Buzzer-Beater (1992)

This classic moment from the 1992 NCAA Tournament is often referred to as one of the greatest clutch shots in college basketball history. With only 2.1 seconds remaining in the game, Duke's Christian Laettner received a pass from Grant Hill and made a turnaround jump shot from the foul line to send Duke to the Final Four. The shot has since become a staple of highlight reels and is one of the most iconic moments in NCAA Tournament history.

Lorenzo Charles' Slam Dunk (1983)

In 1983, North Carolina State's Lorenzo Charles made one of the most memorable plays in NCAA Tournament history. With just seconds remaining in the championship game against Houston, NC State's Dereck Whittenburg launched a desperation shot from beyond the arc that was caught by Charles and slammed home for the game-winning dunk. This moment gave NC State its first national championship and is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in tournament history.

Kemba Walker's Incredible Run (2011)

In 2011, UConn's Kemba Walker put on a show for the ages, leading his team on a historic run through the NCAA Tournament. Walker won five games in five days to win the Big East tournament and then carried that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, leading UConn to six straight wins and the national championship. Walker was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and his incredible performance will forever be remembered as one of the greatest individual runs in NCAA Tournament history.

Villanova's Perfect Game (1985)

In 1985, Villanova shocked the college basketball world by winning the national championship as a No. 8 seed. The most memorable moment of the tournament came in the championship game against Georgetown, when Villanova shot a staggering 78.6% from the field to claim the title. The Wildcats' perfect shooting performance remains one of the greatest upsets in tournament history and is a testament to the unpredictability of March Madness.

Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird (1979)

The 1979 NCAA Championship game between Michigan State and Indiana State is remembered as one of the greatest moments in college basketball history. The game featured a showdown between two of the sport's all-time greats: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The game was watched by millions and is widely considered to be the beginning of the modern era of college basketball. This iconic matchup will always be remembered as one of the top moments in the history of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Bryce Drew's "The Shot" (1998)

Call me a homer, but the Bryce Drew shot is definitely one of the most memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history. In the 1998 tournament, 13th-seeded Valparaiso faced 4th-seeded Mississippi in the first round. With just 2.5 seconds left in the game, Valparaiso's Bryce Drew hit a clutch game-winning three-pointer to send his team to the next round. The shot, now known as "The Shot," is one of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NCAA Tournament history and solidified Bryce Drew's place in March Madness lore. It's a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament, where anything can happen and a single shot can change the entire outcome of a game.

The NCAA Basketball Tournament is filled with unforgettable moments and dramatic finishes. These are just a few of the many unforgettable moments that have made March Madness one of the most beloved sporting events in the world. Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or just a casual observer, the NCAA Basketball Tournament is sure to provide excitement, drama, and memories that will last a lifetime.