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With how electric the modern college basketball product is from an energy standpoint, it can be easy to lose sight of the lack of marathon contests we’ve seen in the last decade. From 1953 to 2013, the sport has treated us to some of the most epic and enduring battles. Here are the top five longest NCAAB games in history.
One of the earliest marathon games in college basketball history occurred on February 21, 1953, between Niagara and Siena. This five-overtime thriller ended with Niagara securing an 88-81 victory.
The game was notable for its defensive intensity and the physical endurance displayed by the players, considering the era’s less advanced training and recovery methods.
In another classic from the mid-20th century, Minnesota and Purdue faced off in a game that extended into six overtimes, on January 2, 1955. The Golden Gophers eventually emerged victorious in one of the longest NCAAB games with a 59-56 win over the Boilermakers.
This game, lasting over 3 hours, is remembered for its grueling length and the gritty defense displayed by both teams. The six-overtime battle also showcased the stamina of the players in an era where substitutions were less frequent than today.
Reason #9,203 why we miss the old Big East Conference: On February 9, 2013, Louisville and Notre Dame engaged in a memorable showdown that extended into five overtimes, marking one of the longest NCAAB games ever.
This game, played at the Purcell Pavilion, lasted 3 hours and 36 minutes. The Fighting Irish triumphed over the Cardinals with a score of 104-101. This marathon match featured standout performances from players like Jerian Grant, who scored 12 points in the final 45 seconds of regulation to force the first overtime.
Reason #9,204 why we miss the old Big East Conference: One of the most iconic games in recent NCAAB history occurred on March 12, 2009, during the Big East Tournament quarterfinals. UConn and Syracuse battled through six overtimes in a game that lasted 3 hours and 46 minutes. The Orange finally prevailed with a 127-117 victory in one of the longest NCAAB games in history.
This game is particularly remembered for its incredible moments, such as Syracuse’s Andy Rautins’ clutch three-pointer to force the fourth overtime and the endurance of Jonny Flynn, who played 67 minutes. The matchup is widely considered one of the greatest college basketball games of all time, and one that has held up in the memories of many fans to this day.
The longest NCAAB game of all time happened on December 21, 1981, between Cincinnati and Bradley. This historic game stretched into seven overtimes, lasting 3 hours and 53 minutes. Cincinnati eventually won with a 75-73 scoreline. It stands as a record in NCAA history for the number of overtimes and was a benchmark for endurance in college basketball.
While not among the top five longest games, the March 12, 1956, matchup between Canisius and NC State deserves mention for being the longest March Madness game. This quadruple-overtime battle ended with Canisius defeating NC State 79-78, but this game just missed out on our list of the longest NCAAB games.
Playing through multiple overtimes requires not just physical stamina but also mental toughness and strategic acumen. Coaches and players must adapt on the fly, making crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.
These games often leave a lasting impact, both in terms of the experience and the memories they create. For fans, these marathon matches provide unforgettable moments of drama and excitement, reinforcing the resilience, skill and determination that define college basketball, creating lasting memories for players and fans alike.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.