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The NCAA Tournament has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed Cinderella runs, historic upsets, and legendary performances. Here’s a look at six of the most memorable NCAA Tournament stories from the past quarter-century, ranked from six to one, brought to you from Coach Young and SportsGrid.
Before he became one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Steph Curry was lighting up March Madness with Davidson. In the 2008 tournament, Curry led the 10-seed Wildcats to the Elite Eight, scoring 40 points against Gonzaga, 30 against Georgetown, and 33 against Wisconsin. His deep three-pointers and fearless play captivated audiences and launched him into stardom, proving that March Madness is where legends are born.
After reaching four Final Fours with Kansas but falling short each time, Roy Williams finally broke through in 2005. In just his second season as North Carolina’s head coach, Williams led the Tar Heels to a national title, defeating Illinois 75-70 in the championship game. It was a long-awaited moment for Williams, who would go on to bring the Tar Heels two more titles. Winning championships in 2009 and 2017 further solidified his legacy as one of college basketball’s greatest coaches.
Few believed an 11-seed from the Colonial Athletic Association could make a deep run, but George Mason did just that in 2006. Led by head coach Jim Larrañaga, the Patriots defeated blue-blood programs like Michigan State, North Carolina, and Connecticut to reach the Final Four. Very non-household names like Jai Lewis and Lamar Butler got their 15 minutes of fame as Mason captured nationwide attention. Their Cinderella story ended with a loss to eventual champion Florida, but their improbable run remains one of the most remarkable in tournament history.
In their first evet Tournament, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) burst onto the national stage in 2013 with an electrifying style of play that earned them the nickname “Dunk City.” As a 15-seed, FGCU upset No. 2 Georgetown in the first round, where a Chase Fieler one-handed alley-oop began the “Dunk City” movement. The stunning result garnered FGCU the ESPY for Upset of the Year. They weren’t done after neutering the Hoyas and followed it up with another upset over No. 7 San Diego State to become the first 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16. Their high-flying dunks and fearless play made them a fan favorite and a tournament legend.
For years, the idea of a 16-seed defeating a 1-seed seemed impossible—until 2018. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) stunned the sports world by defeating top-seeded Virginia 74-54, becoming the first-ever 16-seed to beat a 1-seed in NCAA Tournament history. Then, in 2023, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) pulled off another shocker by taking down 2023 National College Player of the Year Zach Edey’s No. 1 Purdue squad. These teams proved how March Madness always delivers the unexpected.
The 2016 National Championship game between Villanova and North Carolina will always be remembered as one of the most incredible shots in NCAA history. With the game tied in the final seconds, Villanova’s Kris Jenkins hit a three-pointer as time expired, lifting the Wildcats to a 77-74 victory and their second national title. The dramatic finish came moments after UNC’s Marcus Paige tied the game with an acrobatic, double-clutch three-pointer, making the final sequence one of the most thrilling in tournament history.
The NCAA Tournament continues to provide unforgettable moments, and as history shows, there’s always another Cinderella story, buzzer-beater, or shocking upset just around the corner.
