March Madness Tip-Off: Brackets, Buzzer-Beaters, and Basketball Glory

By: Tariq Richardson

March is a special month, and for college basketball fans, it's the most exciting time of the year all thanks to March Madness.  The tournament goes on for one month and consists of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories and unforgettable moments. The NCAA Tournament features the top 68 teams in the country, with the primary objective being to take home the national championship, thus making it one of the most thrilling events in all professional sports.

The tournament was founded in 1939 by the late Harold Oslen as a response to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) which began in 1938.The first March Madness featured only eight teams selected on geographical districts, Schools from the Missouri Valley and the Big 7 conference (later known as the Big 12) but other big names schools such as Kentucky and Saint Johns didn't play in the tournament and instead opted in for the NIT. 

In 1951, it was increased to 16 teams, giving more teams to compete. By 1953 it had grown to 22, adding a fifth round where ten teams received a bye to the regional semifinals. The tournament continued to grow, and by 2010, it expanded to 68 teams which it stands to this day.

Notable Cinderella stories have captured attention over the years, such as George Mason's surprising run to the Final Four in 2006 and Saint Peter's University's remarkable journey in 2022. The Loyola Ramblers, led by the beloved Sister Jean, also made headlines with their inspiring run to the Final Four in 2018.

Many won't forget Michael Jordan's famous shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against John Thompson's Georgetown Hoyas, or Christian Laettner's iconic shot in 1992 that sent the Duke Blue Devils to the Final Four against Coach K. Then there's Kris Jenkins' three-pointer in 2016 against Roy Williams' UNC squad, which secured the national title for Villanova.

The NCAA tournament has witnessed some of the most astonishing upsets, each event leaving fans in disbelief and shattering brackets across the country. One of the most iconic moments came when UMBC made history as the first-ever 16th seed to topple a number one ranked team, stunning Virginia with their remarkable performance. In 2019, the underdog Fairleigh Dickinson University delivered another shocking blow by overcoming the mighty Purdue, proving that anything is possible in March Madness.  Florida Gulf Coast University, nicknamed "Slam City," in 2013 when they pulled off a breathtaking victory against powerhouse Georgetown University, showcasing their high-flying style of play. The excitement continued in 2012 as Lehigh University, under the guidance of the talented CJ McCollum, knocked down Coach K's highly favored Blue Devils in one of his most embarrassing losses for Coach K. 

Historically, several HBCUs have made significant strides in NCAA tournament play, creating more attention to HBCUs. Notably, Southern University achieved a remarkable victory over the fourth-ranked Georgia Tech in 1993. Further demonstrating the competitive nature of these institutions, Hampton University stunned the basketball world by defeating the second-ranked Iowa State in 2001. 

Additionally, Norfolk State's victory over Missouri in 2012 also stands out as a significant upset. These victories showcase not only the resilience and talent of these underdog teams but also highlight the thrilling unpredictability of NCAA tournament play, where surprising outcomes often capture the attention of fans and contribute to the rich history of the sport.

March Madness is renowned for its ability to spotlight future NBA stars and legends—players whose names still resonate even in 2025. Take Stephen Curry, for example. His 2008 run with the Davidson Wildcats captivated fans and changed the game of basketball forever. Then there's Jimmer Fredette, whose deep shooting in 2010 sparked "Jimmermania," bringing a certain swagger and entertainment factor to college basketball. We can't forget Gordon Hayward, whose near-perfect buzzer-beater in 2010 with the Butler Bulldogs still sends chills down our spines. 

Anthony Davis was a key player on the remarkable 2012 Kentucky Wildcats team, often hailed as one of the greatest in college basketball history after clinching the championship. And who could overlook the impressive trio from Villanova? Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Donte DiVincenzo played vital roles in leading the Wildcats to two national titles in 2016 and 2018. March Madness isn't just a tournament; it's a showcase of raw talent and unforgettable moments that shape the future of basketball.

As we head into this year's March Madness, numerous storylines exist. Can Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies become the first team in over 50 years to achieve a three-peat? Will Cooper Flagg lead the Duke Blue Devils to the championship? The number one-ranked Auburn Tigers, led by Johni Broome, along with Jersey's Tahad Pettiford coming off the bench, are poised to make some noise in this year's tournament.

Many people are uncertain about who will win it all this year due to the abundance of talented teams likely to compete in the tournament all eyes will be on the underdogs and the powerhouse teams alike, making it a thrilling journey to see who will rise to the occasion and claim victory in this unforgettable season.