Over the years, the Final Four has delivered iconic turnarounds, with Duke’s 2001 rally against Maryland topping the list—erasing a 22-point deficit. In 1989, Seton Hall clawed back from 18 down to stun Duke. Kansas etched its name in history by storming back from 16 points down to beat North Carolina in the 2022 national title game.
Most recently, Houston overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Duke in the 2025 semifinals. These dramatic recoveries reflect the heart and unpredictability of March Madness.
Biggest Deficit Turnarounds in NCAA Final Four Games
1) Duke vs. Maryland (2001 Final Four)
Deficit: 22 points
Duke pulled off the largest comeback in Final Four history during its 2001 semifinal matchup with Maryland. Down 39–17 late in the first half, the Blue Devils surged back behind the leadership of Shane Battier and Jay Williams.
Outscoring the Terrapins 58–45 in the second half, Duke secured a 95–84 win. The victory, remembered as the “Miracle Minute,” propelled Duke to its fourth national championship.
2) Seton Hall vs. Duke (1989 Final Four)
Deficit: 18 points
In the 1989 semifinals, Seton Hall erased an 18-point deficit against Duke. The Pirates used a relentless full-court press and a balanced offensive attack, including 26 points from John Morton, to dominate the remainder of the game.
They defeated the Blue Devils 95–78, advancing to the program’s first-ever national championship game.
3) Kansas vs. North Carolina (2022 Championship Game)
Deficit: 16 points
Kansas trailed 40–25 late in the first half of the 2022 title game and faced a 15-point halftime deficit. Then the Jayhawks came alive defensively, holding UNC to just 29 second-half points.
A 31–10 run flipped the momentum, and late baskets from David McCormack sealed a 72–69 win—the largest comeback in NCAA championship game history.
4) Loyola Chicago vs. Cincinnati (1963 Championship Game)
Deficit: 15 points
Loyola Chicago’s 1963 title came after a rally from 15 points down in the second half against Cincinnati. Jerry Harkness led the comeback, forcing overtime with a clutch basket.
In OT, Vic Rouse’s game-winning putback secured a 60–58 victory, earning the Ramblers their only national title.
T5) San Diego State vs. Florida Atlantic (2023 Final Four)
Deficit: 14 points
San Diego State trailed 56–42 with 13:53 left in its 2023 semifinal against Florida Atlantic. The Aztecs surged with a 30–15 closing run, capped by Lamont Butler’s game-winning buzzer-beater.
The 72–71 win remains one of the most dramatic in recent memory.
T5) Houston vs. Duke (2025 Final Four)
Deficit: 14 points
A new entry on the list. Down 14 points with 8:17 to play, Houston stunned Duke 70–67 behind a relentless defensive stand—allowing just one field goal in the final 10 minutes. LJ Cryer poured in 26 points, and J’Wan Roberts hit two go-ahead free throws with 19.6 seconds remaining.
KEEP READING: NCAA Final Four Draws Huge Crowd: Fans Pack Stadium for a Historic Night in College Hoops
Cooper Flagg’s 27 points weren’t enough to fend off the Cougars’ late charge.
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