Every March, college basketball fans eagerly anticipate the March Madness, which is famed for its Heroic stories and spectacular upsets. However, one of the most acute concerns in tournament history is whether a 16-seed can defeat a 1-seed. After years of close calls, history was made in 2018 and 2023.
A 16-seed defeating a 1-seed is the ultimate David vs Goliath moment in college basketball. Top-seeded teams appeared unbeatable for decades until two historic games smashed this notion.
March Madness Shocker: How Many Times Has a 16-Seed Beaten a 1-Seed?
A 16-seed has defeated a 1-seed twice in men’s NCAA Tournament history. The first instance occurred in 2018 when UMBC stunned the basketball world by annihilating the Virginia Cavaliers 74-54. The second happened in 2023, when Fairleigh Dickinson upset Purdue 63-58.
Before these two surprises, 16-seeds had a 0-135 record against top-seeded teams, marking these wins as some of the most memorable in college basketball.
The 2018 UMBC vs. Virginia Upset
Before 2018, it looked practically impossible for a 16-seed to win. But the UMBC Retrievers made history by dominating Virginia’s No. 1 overall seed. The game was more than just a tight win; it was a blowout, with UMBC dominating by 20 points (74-54). This game became one of the most stunning upsets in sports history.
The 2023 Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Purdue Upset
Fairleigh Dickinson was not even slated to compete; their bid came when another team was disqualified. But they embrace the opportunity and defeat Purdue with aggressive defensive strategy. FDU became the second 16-seed to make it through, showing that UMBC’s success was not a fluke.
Harvard’s women’s basketball team defeated Stanford 71-67 in 1998, making them the first 16-seed in NCAA history to do so.
KEEP READING: Has a No. 1 Seed Ever Lost in the First Round? A Look at the Biggest March Madness Upsets of All Time
With rising competition in college basketball and the transfer portal evolving rosters, the deficit between low and high seeds is shrinking. While 16-seeds still face a challenging task, history has shown that jolts are possible, and the enigma of March Madness means fans remain invested in the next fairy tale.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
