Top 10 Cinderella Runs in NCAA Tournament History
10. Davidson Wildcats, 2008
Davidson began the 2007-08 season with a 4-6 record before going on a 22-game winning streak, winning the Southern Conference title, and securing an NCAA tournament bid. Led by Stephen Curry, they became the ultimate Cinderella story, upsetting 7-seed Gonzaga, 2-seed Georgetown, and 3-seed Wisconsin before narrowly falling to Kansas 58-57 in the Elite Eight.
Curry’s electrifying performances put Davidson on the national map, elevating the program’s reputation and inspiring future recruits. His impact transformed Davidson from a mid-major afterthought into a respected basketball school. The Wildcats finished with a 29-7 record.
Final result: Lost to Kansas 58-57 in the Elite Eight.
9. Florida Atlantic Owls, 2023
Florida Atlantic finished 2023 with a 35-4 record, winning the Conference USA title with an 18-2 record in league play. As a No. 9 seed in the East, they advanced to the Final Four, defeating No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, No. 4 Tennessee, and No. 3 Kansas State.
Their tournament run ended with a one-point loss to San Diego State, 72-71, in the Final Four.
Final result: Lost to San Diego State 72-71 in the Final Four.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes WBB, 2024
The 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team finished with a 34-5 record, advancing to the NCAA national championship game, where they lost to South Carolina, 87-75, earning a runner-up spot.
Led by National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, the team also secured their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s Albany 2 regional. The championship game drew 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever.
Final result: Lost to South Carolina 87-75 in the national championship game.
7. Florida Gators, 2007
The Florida Gators’ 2007 NCAA championship run was remarkable. They finished with a 35-5 record and clinched their second straight national title by defeating Ohio State 84-75. Under coach Billy Donovan, the Gators were led by stars like Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer and overcame the pressure of being defending champions.
They beat No. 4 UCLA in the Final Four, proving their resilience with five players averaging double-digit points. Despite some arguing the 2006 run was more impressive, the 2007 victory solidified Florida’s status as a dynasty.
Final result: Defeated Ohio State 84-75 in the national championship game.
6. Syracuse Orange, 2003
Carmelo Anthony led the Syracuse Orange to their first NCAA championship in 2003, finishing the season with a 30-5 record and defeating Kansas 81-78 in the final. Under head coach Jim Boeheim, Syracuse’s historic run was fueled by Anthony’s star performances, including 33 points against Texas in the Final Four and a 20-point, 10-rebound effort in the title game.
While Anthony’s individual brilliance, averaging 22.2 points and 10 rebounds, was pivotal, the team’s overall success was a result of solid contributions from other players as well. The championship not only ended Syracuse’s decades-long title drought but elevated the program to national prominence, making the 2003 run a landmark achievement in college basketball.
Final result: Defeated Kansas 81-78 in the national championship game.
5. Michigan Wolverines, 1992 (Fab Five)
The Fab Five’s 1992 NCAA Tournament run was a defining moment for Michigan basketball, as the freshman-led Wolverines finished with a 25-9 record and reached the national championship game, losing to Duke 71-51. Under coach Steve Fisher, the No. 6-seeded squad, featuring Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, made history as the first team to start five freshmen in a title game.
They took down No. 2 Ohio State and No. 1 Cincinnati, with Webber’s 19-point, 9-rebound Final Four performance leading the way. Beyond their play, they changed the culture of college basketball with their baggy shorts, black socks, and unapologetic confidence, influencing future generations despite falling short of the championship.
Final result: Lost to Duke 71-51 in the national championship game.
4. UConn Huskies, 2011
The 2011 UConn Huskies went 32-9 and won the national title, defeating Butler 53-41. After a 9-9 Big East season, they won five straight in the conference tournament, highlighted by Kemba Walker’s iconic step-back buzzer-beater against Pitt in the quarterfinals.
UConn carried that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, beating No. 2 San Diego State and No. 1 Kentucky. Walker earned Most Outstanding Player honors, leading an improbable championship run.
Final result: Defeated Butler 53-41 to win the national championship.
3. Villanova Wildcats, 2016
The 2016 Villanova Wildcats capped a 35-5 season with a dramatic 77-74 win over No. 1 North Carolina in the national championship game. The victory was sealed by Kris Jenkins’ iconic buzzer-beater, a clean catch-and-shoot three-pointer off a Ryan Arcidiacono pass as time expired.
Villanova dominated the tournament, including a record-setting 44-point win over No. 2 Oklahoma in the Final Four. Jenkins’ shot remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history, immortalizing both Villanova’s championship and Jenkins’ place in March Madness lore.
Final result: Won the national championship, 77-74.
2. Duke Blue Devils, 1992
The 1992 Duke Blue Devils finished with a 34-2 record and won their second consecutive NCAA national championship, defeating Michigan 71-51 on April 6, 1992. The team, led by head coach Mike Krzyzewski, dominated the tournament, highlighted by Christian Laettner’s iconic buzzer-beater in the Elite Eight during a 104-103 overtime win over Kentucky.
Laettner, Hill, and Hurley formed an unstoppable trio, with Laettner earning Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. Duke’s dominance set a blueprint for sustained excellence and solidified their legacy as a college basketball dynasty.
Final result: Won national championship, 71-51.
- George Mason Patriots, 2006
George Mason’s 2006 NCAA Tournament run was a historic Cinderella story. As a No. 11 seed, the Patriots finished the season 27-8 and shocked the basketball world by reaching the Final Four, where they fell to No. 3 Florida 73-58 on April 1, 2006.
Under head coach Jim Larranaga, they upset No. 6 Michigan State, No. 3 North Carolina, No. 7 Wichita State, and No. 1 UConn—highlighted by Jai Lewis’ game-winner against the Huskies. This run was historic because George Mason, a mid-major from the Colonial Athletic Association, became the first double-digit seed to reach the Final Four since 1986.
Their improbable journey captivated fans and reshaped March Madness, proving that small schools could topple giants.
Final result: Lost to Florida 73-58 in Final Four.
