The Biggest March Madness Upsets Ever
Sports fans, fanatics, and those guilty by association — they don’t call it March Madness for nothing.
Yes, it’s that time of the year again when sweat and adrenaline fill the air, crowds roar with excitement, and dreams can be made and shattered instantly. History has proven that anything can happen in this wild month of March when a single shot or play can make all the difference in a team’s trajectory.
March Madness upsets remind us the tournament isn’t just about the surefire picks—it’s also about the underdogs who rise to the challenge when the stakes are at their highest. These upsets keep fans coming back each year to watch one of the most exciting and unpredictable tournaments in sports.
Before you calculate the odds of your March Madness betting, let’s recap some of the tournament’s greatest upsets to date.
WHAT FACTORS OFTEN CONTRIBUTE TO AN UPSET?
You may be wondering about the various factors that can contribute to March Madness upsets. The truth is many events and reasons can impact the outcome of a game during March Madness. But, historically speaking, some of the most common factors include:
Seed differential – Teams throughout the NCAA are ranked according to seeds—1-16 in each region—based mainly on regular season performance. When two teams with a significant ranking difference play one another, it creates an opportunity for an upset.
Unpredictable events – Whether it's injuries, foul trouble, or other events, these types of things can heavily impact the outcome of a game and create opportunities for the underdogs.
Underrated talent – Sometimes, the lower-seeded teams have talented players that aren't well-known but can make huge differences throughout the tournament.
These are just a few factors that have often contributed to upsets over the years. In fact, keep an eye out below and see if you can spot some of these factors in the list we’ve prepared.
So, without further ado, let’s check out some of March Madness' biggest upsets.
A game-high 30 points
Six rebounds/assists
Two steals
This game is known as one of the biggest upsets in tournament history, and it exemplifies how a single player can have a massive impact on the outcome of the National Championship game. The win captivated college basketball fans and demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness.
McCollom’s performance that season, specifically that game, was one for the books. Despite Xavier eliminating them in the next round, McCollom would be picked up by the Blazers in the 2013 NBA Draft the following year.
No. 15 Richmond Spiders over No. 2 Syracuse Orangemen, 73-69, 1991
This game is significant because unlike the previous 15th-seed wins, Richmond became the first lowest-seeded team to win March Madness since the tournament’s expansion in 1985 to win a first-round match. Not only did they win, but they also managed to keep the lead above the Orangemen the entire game.
Richmond’s upset over Syracuse resulted from a collective effort by the team. However, their defense was a critical factor in the win, disrupting Syracuse’s offensive flow by forcing them into difficult shots and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Syracuse had several chances to tie the game in the final five minutes and one hope to take the lead. But Richmond’s defense proved too much for the Orangemen, leading to one of the most memorable first-round upsets in the tournament’s history.
No. 16 UMBC Retrievers over No. 1 UVA Cavaliers, 74-54, 2018
This game is often considered the biggest upset in NCAA history, and for good reason.
Let’s take a look at why:
It was the first time a No. 1 seed lost to a No. 16 seed in the men’s division since its expansion in 1985.
The win broke a 33-year, 135-game losing streak between No. 16 and No. 1 seeded teams.
It was the first UMBC NCAA tournament win in school history.
UMBC got off to a fast start, and both teams went back and forth up until the half. Virginia struggled miserably on offense, only 4 for 22 from three-point range. The Retrievers pressed hard defensively and were able to disrupt their offensive flow and ball movement, which was a point of pride for the Cavaliers throughout the regular season.
Jairus Lyles, a UMBC guard, had a standout performance with a game-high of 28 points, shooting 9 for 11 and leading the team to victory over the Cavaliers.
TIPICO: THE FUTURE OF SPORTS BETTING
As we can see from above, the NCAA March Madness tournament is no stranger to upsets. It's where the underdog frequently rises, the impossible becomes possible, and the analyst's predictions for the highest seed to win March Madness get shattered by unforeseen circumstances. These moments in sports history aren't just victories for the teams and fans but also for those who put their money where their heart is.
The beauty of sports betting is that anyone can win big, especially if you're betting on an underdog that rises to the call. From Florida Gulf Coast Eagles’ win over Georgetown to Harvard's triumph over Stanford, these games will be remembered as the moments when the underdog outperformed and refused to give up the good fight.
If you're a sports bettor or fan looking to get a little closer to the game, check out Tipico Sportsbook.
It’s one of the hottest online betting applications that allows you to bet on just about every sport. With easy deposits and lighting fast payout options, it’s no wonder people are bringing a little more excitement to the game.
Sources:
SB Nation. March Madness memories: Florida Gulf Coast dunks its way to 2013 Sweet 16.
NBC Sports. CJ McCollum leads Lehigh upset over Duke. https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/portland-trail-blazers/day-history-cj-mccollum-leads-lehigh-upset-over-duke
Washington Post. Richmond Makes Syracuse, NCAA History. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/03/15/richmond-makes-syracuse-ncaa-history/33a2c590-4329-4e87-92d3-2ffa4eaa4d1a/
Washington Post. NCAA stunner: No. 16 seed UMBC makes history by knocking out No. 1 Virginia. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/ncaa-stunner-no-16-seed-umbc-makes-history-by-knocking-out-no-1-virginia/2018/03/16/35d91dee-2954-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html
The Harvard Crimson. A Look Back to 1998: Harvard Topples Stanford. https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2002/3/14/a-look-back-to-1998-harvard/
The San Diego Tribune. Louisville upsets No. 1 Baylor 82-81. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-louisville-upsets-no-1-baylor-82-81-2013mar31-story.html
Imago / Icon Sportswire