March Madness Upsets: Cinderella Stories

0:00On March 16th, the NCAA tournament, or March Madness, proves every year that no game is a sure thing. Elite teams and top coaches stay on edge because upsets happen often, especially in the first round. Over the last decade, lower seeds from smaller conferences have pulled off more shocking wins against big favorites. Turning brackets upside down, and thrilling fans, take some standout moments. Like the 16-seed UMBC, crushing the top overall pick, Virginia, by 20 points in 2018. The first time that ever happened. Or, Fairly Dickinson, the shortest team in college hoops, knocking off Purdue's Giants the next year. These underdogs use hot shooting, tough defense, and pure grit to stun powerhouses. Coaches like Tom Izzo and John Calipari still feel the sting from losses to double digit seeds, with teams like Middle Tennessee raining threes on. Michigan State or St. Peter's outsmart in Kentucky. Players stepped up big, from double doubles to buzzer beaters, while fans win wild celebrating the magic.

1:06Many of these Cinderella stories led to bigger things, like coaches landing power jobs at places such as USC or Miami after deep runs. Others, by George Mason's final forepush, or NC State's national title, became legends that inspire new generations of mid-majors hunting Giants. These upsets remind us why March Madness captivates everyone, keeping the tournament wide open no matter the seeds.