There is no time more exciting in sports than the playoffs and every year one tournament stands in a league of its own when it comes to exciting moments. From upsets to buzzer beaters March Madness has it all, the single elimination format forces teams to have a sense of urgency they don’t always carry. It also makes for some of the most dramatic moments in sports. In this article we’ll go over five of the best moments the tournament has brought the sports world. Everyone has a favourite and Former Lethbridge dual-sport athlete (football and basketball) Mitchell Tews shared his

“My favourite moment for March Madness is when Kris Jenkins hit a 3-point game winner to win the title in 2016 against North Carolina.” 

1. 2016: Villanova vs. UNC

In 2016 the championship game, the clock was running low, and the score was tied 74-74. With 4.7 seconds on the clock Villanova came down the floor and Kris Jenkins got his shot off just in time. Jenkins stole UNCs hope of going to overtime and ended it then and there with a score of 77-74.

2. 2018: UMBC vs. Virginia

In 2018 history was made in the first round. The University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) came into the tournament underdogs with the 16 seed in their bracket. Up against the top seed Virginia Cavaliers, they played with a chip on their shoulder. UMBC became the first 16 seed in the history of the men’s tournament to beat a one seed, and they did it convincingly with a final score of 74-54.

3. 2021: Gonzaga vs. UCLA

Gonzaga and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) were tied in overtime with 3.3 seconds to play. Gonzaga had one time out left but decided not to use it. They got the ball to Jalen Suggs who took three dribbles, barely got across half and put up a prayer for the win, and his prayer was answered. The shot dropped in off the glass and sent Gonzaga to the championship game with a final score of 93-90. Avery Mackenzie, a basketball player with the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks said this is his favourite March Madness moment of all time.

“All of my friends were there, and we had a great time watching the game. We were rooting for Gonzaga, so it was very cool for them to win that way.”

4. 2023: FDU vs. Purdue

In 2023 Farleigh Dickinson were the bottom rated team in the entire tournament. They were the 68 ranked team and had to play a first four game to get into the main bracket. After doing so they were up against Purdue, one of four 1 seeds in the tournament. For the second time in men’s March Madness history a 16 seed took down a one seed, this time by a tighter margin with a final score of 63-58.

5. 2026: UConn vs. Duke

This year has seen many great moments, but one created a hero for the University of Connecticut (UConn). Up against Duke University in the Elite Eight, the UConn Huskies trailed by as much as 19 points, but that didn’t matter in the end. The lead was ultimately cut to 2 in the last 10 seconds of the game. Duke had possession with UConn putting hard pressure on them. Cayden Boozer of Duke turned the ball over with 5 seconds to go, and rookie Braylon Mullins put up a shot from the logo that hit nothing but net. Mullins shot gave the Huskies a 1-point win and punched their ticket to the final four.

March Madness is the most dramatic basketball tournament on the planet.  Every year brings moments that players and fans will remember for life.  The tournament ends in heartbreak for most, but hope returns the following year when March Madness is back.