The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the United States. Its single-elimination format creates an atmosphere where anything can happen, and it often does. The tournament consistently delivers shocking outcomes and memorable Cinderella stories, where low-seeded teams defy the odds to defeat basketball powerhouses. These upsets are the lifeblood of the tournament, busting brackets and capturing the imagination of the nation.
The way fans follow these games has also evolved, with social sportsbooks creating new avenues for communities to form around the event. This shift is evident in the use of items like a Fliff promo code, which is part of a system that allows users to make picks and compete socially. It reflects a different way of following the dramatic twists and turns of the tournament.
No. 15 Lehigh defeats No. 2 Duke (2012)
The 2012 tournament delivered a monumental shock when the No. 2 seed, the Duke Blue Devils, fell to the No. 15 seed, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Led by future NBA star C.J. McCollum, Lehigh overcame one of the most storied programs in college basketball history.
McCollum was the undisputed star, scoring 30 points in a masterful performance. Duke, a team that featured future NBA players Austin Rivers and Mason Plumlee, had no answer for Lehigh's poise and execution. The final score of 75-70 did not flatter the Mountain Hawks; they were the better team on the day, securing a victory that remains a primary example of March Madness unpredictability.
No. 15 Richmond defeats No. 2 Syracuse (1991)
History was made in 1991 when the Richmond Spiders became the first No. 15 seed ever to win a first-round tournament game. They faced the No. 2 seed Syracuse Orangemen, a team led by future NBA player Billy Owens.
Richmond controlled the pace of the game from the start, slowing down the high-powered Syracuse offense. The Spiders’ deliberate approach and disciplined defense frustrated their highly favored opponents. They held on for a landmark 73-69 victory, proving that even the biggest underdogs have a fighting chance on the tournament stage.
No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast defeats No. 2 Georgetown (2013)
The 2013 tournament introduced the world to "Dunk City." The No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast Eagles played with a high-flying, electrifying style that took the nation by storm. Their first victim was the No. 2 seed Georgetown Hoyas.
FGCU’s relentless pace and athletic dunks overwhelmed a stunned Georgetown team. The Eagles’ infectious energy translated into a convincing 78-68 win. This was not just an upset; it was a performance. Florida Gulf Coast went on to defeat San Diego State, becoming the first No. 15 seed to reach the Sweet Sixteen.
No. 11 George Mason defeats No. 1 Connecticut (2006)
George Mason’s entire 2006 tournament run was a Cinderella story, but their most impressive victory came against the No. 1 seed Connecticut Huskies in the Elite Eight. UConn’s roster was filled with future NBA talent, including Rudy Gay and Hilton Armstrong.
The Patriots went toe-to-toe with the Huskies for 40 minutes of regulation and into overtime. Despite being physically overmatched, George Mason’s excellent shooting and resilience secured an 86-84 victory. Their improbable run to the Final Four remains one of the most inspirational stories in tournament history.
No. 8 Villanova defeats No. 1 Georgetown (1985)
In what is often called the "Perfect Game," the No. 8 seed Villanova Wildcats played a nearly flawless game to defeat the defending champion No. 1 Georgetown Hoyas in the National Championship. The Hoyas, led by superstar center Patrick Ewing, were one of the most dominant college teams of the era.
Villanova shot an incredible 78.6% from the field, setting a championship game record that still stands. They slowed the game to a methodical pace and made crucial shots down the stretch. The 66-64 final score cemented Villanova's place in history and showed that execution can overcome even the most immense talent gap.
No. 15 Saint Peter's defeats No. 2 Kentucky (2022)
The 2022 tournament provided an instant classic when the small commuter school Saint Peter's took down the goliath No. 2 seed Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky, a blue-blood program with a roster of future professionals, was a heavy favorite.
The Peacocks, a team with a fraction of Kentucky's resources, played with incredible heart and discipline. They matched the Wildcats shot for shot, forcing overtime and ultimately pulling off a stunning 85-79 victory. Saint Peter's would continue their magical run all the way to the Elite Eight, becoming the first No. 15 seed to do so.
Some of the most notable seed-based upsets include:
- First No. 15 seed to win: Richmond over Syracuse (1991)
- First No. 16 seed to win: UMBC over Virginia (2018)
- Lowest seed to reach the Final Four: No. 11 (LSU 1986, George Mason 2006, VCU 2011, Loyola Chicago 2018, UCLA 2021, NC State 2024)
No. 13 Princeton defeats No. 4 Arizona (2023)
In a classic clash of styles, the No. 13 seed Princeton Tigers used their methodical, back-cutting offense to grind out a victory against the high-flying No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats. This game was a testament to coaching and system over raw athleticism.
Princeton controlled the tempo, refusing to let Arizona get out and run. The game was a low-scoring, defensive battle, but the Tigers made the winning plays in the final minutes. The final score was a tight 59-55, sending a highly-touted Arizona team home and reminding everyone of the power of disciplined basketball in March Madness.
No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson defeats No. 1 Purdue (2023)
Just five years after the first No. 16 over No. 1 upset, it happened again. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, the shortest team in the tournament, faced the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers and their towering National Player of the Year, Zach Edey.
Despite the massive size disadvantage, FDU’s quickness and relentless defensive pressure frustrated Purdue all game. The Knights forced turnovers and made timely shots, refusing to be intimidated. Their 63-58 victory was a masterclass in how speed and tenacity can overcome size, marking the second time in history a No. 16 seed had won.
No. 11 VCU defeats No. 1 Kansas (2011)
VCU's 2011 "Havoc" defense led them on an incredible run from the First Four to the Final Four. Their most significant victory was an Elite Eight takedown of the No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks, the last remaining top seed in the tournament.
The Rams’ swarming defense forced Kansas into 21 turnovers, and they shot an impressive 12-for-25 from three-point range. VCU built a substantial lead and held off a late Kansas rally to win 71-61. This victory legitimized their run and showcased the disruptive power of a well-executed defensive system.
No. 16 UMBC defeats No. 1 Virginia (2018)
The ultimate March Madness upset occurred in 2018 when the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Retrievers did the unthinkable. They became the first No. 16 seed in the history of the men's tournament to defeat a No. 1 seed, dismantling the top-ranked Virginia Cavaliers.
Virginia was not just a No. 1 seed; they were the overall No. 1 seed in the tournament. Yet, UMBC did not just win; they dominated. After a tied first half, the Retrievers exploded for 53 second-half points, routing the Cavaliers 74-54. The 20-point margin of victory remains almost as shocking as the upset itself, forever changing the landscape of what is considered possible in the tournament.
