From memorable upsets to overtime thrillers to buzzer-beating baskets, here is our look at the best first-round matchups in NCAA Tournament history. 25. 2023 -- No.
9 FAU 66, No. 8 Memphis 65 We begin our list with the game that started Florida Atlantic's magical run to the 2023 Final Four. Though not the best offensive showing for either team (combined 14-of-50 from 3-point range), it was close and a lot of fun for the viewer without a rooting interest.
Memphis had a one-point lead and the ball with fewer than 15 seconds remaining in regulation. However, the Tigers turned the ball over with roughly 10 seconds to go. FAU worked for a final shot, and Nick Boyd delivered with a driving left-handed layup to begin its Cinderella run.
24. 2002 -- No. 13 UNC Wilmington 93, No.
4 USC 89 (OT) From the start, it looked as if Wilmington was going to pull off the upset and record its first NCAA Tournament victory in rather easy fashion. The Seahawks, who led by as many as 19, shot 52 percent during the first half to lead 37-28 at the break. However, USC showed its mettle, and Wilmington also went cold down the stretch, making only one field goal in the final nine minutes of regulation.
So, overtime was needed to decided the contest. The Seahawks held USC to just nine points in the extra session, and four straight points from Stewart Hare in the final minute helped Wilmington seal the upset. 23.
1986 -- No. 14 Cleveland State 83, No. 3 Indiana 79 One year before the Hoosiers won the nati.
