As the chill of winter gives way to the vibrant bloom of spring, so begins the feverish competition of March Madness. This annual spectacle sees 68 college basketball teams locked in a fierce single-elimination tournament, each vying for the coveted title of national champion. Filled with unforeseen upsets and nail-biting games that often hang in the balance until the final moments, it’s no wonder this event has earned its exhilarating moniker.
One of the most pulse-pounding aspects of March Madness is undoubtedly the buzzer beaters. These heart-stopping, last-second shots have the power to shift the trajectory of a game drastically. They encapsulate the high-stakes competition, the emotional rollercoaster, and the unpredictability that make March Madness a highlight of the collegiate sports calendar.
1983 NC State vs. Houston
In 1983, we saw an unforgettable basketball game between North Carolina State and Houston. It was the championship game, and it was anything but predictable.
During the second half, Houston’s team, the Cougars, seemed to have the upper hand. But the Wolfpack, North Carolina State’s team, didn’t back down. They had a determined coach, Jim Valvano, who kept them in the game.
As the game was nearing its end, Lorenzo Charles, a player from the Wolfpack, seized the moment. He caught a missed shot from his teammate, Dereck Whittenburg, and dunked it right into the basket. This happened just as the buzzer sounded. With that breathtaking dunk, the Wolfpack clinched a victory that defied the expectations with a final score of 54-52.
2. 1992 Duke vs. Kentucky
The 1992 Duke vs. Kentucky game was an unforgettable showdown. The tension ran high, with Kentucky gaining a 98-96 lead. However, Christian Laettner of Duke wasn’t about to let the game slip through their fingers. He scored six consecutive points, flipping the score to 102-101 in Duke’s favor.
With only 7.8 seconds left on the clock, Kentucky called for a time-out. When play resumed, it was Laettner who took center stage. In an extraordinary display of skill and composure, he made the winning shot in overtime, stunning Kentucky with a 104-103 victory. This iconic buzzer-beater, known as “The Shot,” not only secured Duke’s spot in the Final Four but also etched Laettner’s name in March Madness history.
3. 1998 Valparaiso vs. Ole Miss
In the nail-biting 1998 match between Valparaiso and Ole Miss, Bryce Drew of Valparaiso etched his name in the annals of March Madness history. With only 2.5 seconds remaining, Valparaiso was behind by two points. The ball was inbounded from the opposite baseline, and Jamie Sykes launched a pass caught mid-air by Bill Jenkins, who quickly passed to Drew.
Drew, standing beyond the three-point line, took the shot. As the buzzer sounded, the ball sailed through the air and swished into the net, scoring three points. This miraculous shot, now simply known as 1998’s The Shot, secured a 70-69 victory for Valparaiso, marking one of the most dramatic endings in NCAA tournament history.
4. 2006 George Mason vs. Connecticut
The 2006 George Mason vs. Connecticut game was a thrilling David vs. Goliath battle. George Mason, a small school from Fairfax, Virginia, was pitted against the powerhouse Connecticut.
In a game that went into overtime, Jai Lewis became the hero for George Mason. With the score tied at 74 and only seconds remaining in the extra period, Lewis took control. He skillfully maneuvered past the Connecticut defense and scored the decisive basket, sealing an 86-84 victory for George Mason.
This game didn’t just mark George Mason’s first-ever trip to the Final Four; it also symbolized the potential for underdogs to triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.
5. 2010 Northern Iowa vs. Kansas
Kansas, a number one seed and a favorite to win the tournament, faced the formidable Northern Iowa in 2010. In the game’s dying moments, Ali Farokhmanesh of Northern Iowa took center stage.
With just 35 seconds left and Northern Iowa leading by one point, Farokhmanesh dared to take a risky three-point shot. His daring paid off when the ball swished through the net, sealing a 69-67 victory for Northern Iowa.
This shot not only knocked out the top-seeded Kansas but also cemented Farokhmanesh’s place in March Madness folklore.
6. 2016 Villanova vs. North Carolina
The 2016 NCAA championship game between Villanova and North Carolina was a classic, filled with suspense and a finish for the ages. Villanova, a number two seed, faced off against the top-seeded North Carolina.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. The score was tied at 74 with just seconds remaining, setting the stage for one of the most memorable moments in NCAA history.
Kris Jenkins of Villanova received a trailing pass from Ryan Arcidiacono after a quick inbound play. With the clock winding down, Jenkins launched a deep three-pointer as time expired. The shot swished through the net, giving Villanova a thrilling 77-74 victory and their second national title.
7. 2021 UCLA vs. Gonzaga
In 2021, the underdog UCLA Bruins took on the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs in a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. This game had many fans bet on the college basketball point spread as it was the biggest game for both teams. The game was tied at 90 with just seconds remaining in overtime when Jalen Suggs of Gonzaga took the spotlight.
After grabbing a defensive rebound, Suggs charged down the court and pulled up from near half-court as the buzzer sounded. His shot banked off the backboard and into the hoop, giving Gonzaga a thrilling 93-90 victory and sending them to the national championship game.
Takeaway
As we gear up for the next round of NCAA tournaments, we can’t help but get pumped about the potential disruptive buzzer-beaters. With each new tournament, a fresh batch of talent steps onto the court, and it’s anyone’s guess who will be the next to leave us awestruck with a last-second shot. All we can do as fans is settle in, enjoy every second, and brace ourselves for the wild ride that the tournament always promises to be.
