March Madness is renowned for its uncertainty, but for decades, one thing was certain: the top seeds would always win in the first round. However, history has been flipped twice, suggesting that no team is ever truly secure in the NCAA Tournament. Have any 16-seeded teams ever conquered the mighty No. 1 seed?
The Unthinkable Has Happened—Twice
The short answer? Yes, a top seed has lost in the first round—twice. The first incident occurred in 2018, when the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) stunned the Virginia Cavaliers. Then, in 2023, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) stunned Purdue with another historic victory.
UMBC vs. Virginia (2018)
Before 2018, the No. 16 seeds had a 0-135 record against the No. 1 seeds. That all flipped when UMBC stunned the basketball world by upsetting top-seeded Virginia, 74-54. The Retrievers dominated the second half, transforming what was thought to be a straightforward victory for Virginia into one of the tournament’s most dramatic upsets.
FDU vs. Purdue (2023)
Five years later, history repeats itself. FDU defeated Purdue 63-58 despite narrowly making the tournament and having the shortest roster in Division I basketball. The Boilermakers, led by 7’4″ Zach Edey, were unable to cope with FDU’s unrelenting pressure and agility, resulting in another memorable March Madness moment.
What Makes These Upsets Possible?
Both of these upsets followed a similar pattern.
Overconfidence from the No. 1 Seed: Top teams often underestimate their first-round opponents.
A Perfect Game from the Underdog: UMBC and FDU played near-flawless basketball, executing their game plans to perfection.
Strategic Mismatches: Both teams used their speed and perimeter shooting to outplay bigger, slower opponents.
Impact on Future Tournaments
The lessons learned from these devastating losses have impacted how teams approach the tournament.
- Higher seeds no longer take first-round matchups lightly.
- Underdogs now have an increased belief that anything is possible.
- Coaches adjust their strategies to avoid a similar fate.
MORE MEMORABLE STORIES FROM THE “BIG DANCE”: Top 10 March Madness Moments of All Time
March Madness lives on drama, and these surprises have only made the tournament more exciting. As history has demonstrated, no team is impassable.
The unpredictability of March Madness continues to draw audiences, assuring us that in sports, everything is possible.
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