-
Mike Schultz
Top Five NCAA March Madness Buzzer Beaters
For even the most casual fan, the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is some of the best basketball you can watch. The dynamic in college basketball is drastically different than that of the NBA and the story lines and late game dramatics are why the season is also lovingly known as March Madness.
With the tournament officially underway, let’s revisit the top five best NCAA March Madness buzzer beaters.
5. UConn defeats Washington, 1998 Sweet 16
The Uconn Huskies lead for the majority of the game in 1998’s Sweet 16, but Donald Watts sunk a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left on the clock to give Washington their first lead of the night 74-73. UConn had three separate chances to win the game in the waning moments, but failed to connect. Finally, after a rebound was tipped several times, it bounced back to Richard Hamilton who grabbed the ball and nailed the fadeaway with 7 foot center Patrick Femerling in his face for a dramatic 75-75 win.
4. Valparaiso defeats Ole Miss, 1998 First Round
Down two points with only 2.5 seconds remaining, Valpo had to inbound on the opposite end of the court and get the ball to their pure shooter, Bryce Drew. The inbound pass was launched to half court while two Ole Miss players committed to intercepting it but missed, as Bill Jenkins was able to grab it and turn to see none other than Drew wide open on the sideline. Jenkins smoothly hit Drew who nailed the legendary three that sunk Ole Miss.
3. UCLA defeats Missouri, 1995 Second Round
Trailing Missouri 73-74 with just 4.8 seconds remaining in regulation, the UCLA Bruins were forced to cover the length of the court to attempt a game winning shot. Point guard Tyus Edney takes the inbound pass, turns and darts up the court, drives the length of the floor and manages to get a floater off and bank it in just as time expired. Edney’s basket kept UCLA alive and went on to win the National Championship.
2. N.C. State defeats Houston, 1983 Championship Game
No one thought that N.C. State even belong in a championship game against Houston that featured future NBA hall of famers Clyde Drexler and Akeem Olajuwon, but the Wolfpack never quit. Leading up to the championship game, N.C. State had won its last five games in come-from-behind fashion. N.C. State clawed back from what had the makings of a blow out, when Dereck Wittenberg nearly lost the ball and was forced to throw up a nearly midcourt shot as the clock wound down. He missed the hoop entirely, but Lorenzo Charles was there to grab it midair and put it home just in time for the clock to expire.
1. Duke defeats Kentucky, 1992 Elite 8
It’s often referred to as the best college basketball game ever played, so it’s no surprise it makes it to the top of the list. Down 103-102 in overtime against Kentucky with 2.1 seconds remaining, Duke needed to go the length of the court to have a chance at getting a shot off. At this point, Christian Laettner had yet to miss a shot in the game. Everyone knew he was going to get the ball. For whatever reason, Grant Hill went uncontested as he inbounded the ball and was able to lob the ball three quarters of the way down the court to Laettner who was at the foul line. He centered himself with a dribble and spun into the now iconic fade-away jumper. Duke wins, 104-103. They went on to repeat as National Champions.
Sports Interaction NCAA Tournament Odds
Sports Interaction Live Betting Odds
