March Madness is notorious for its unexpected outcomes and dramatic upsets, where lower-seeded teams defeat top-seeded favorites. These moments not only bring excitement and unpredictability to the NCAAA tournament but also significantly impact the world of sports betting.
Understanding upsets
An upset occurs when a lower-seeded team (often referred to as the “underdog”) defeats a higher-seeded team (the “favorite”). These upsets are a defining feature of March Madness betting and contribute to the unpredictability and thrill of the tournament.
Famous March Madness upsets
- UMBC vs. Virginia (2018): UMBC (16) made history by becoming the first 16-seed to defeat a 1-seed (Virginia) in the men’s tournament.
- NC State vs. Houston (1983): NC State (6) stunned Houston (1), a team with future NBA stars, to win the national championship.
- Villanova vs. Georgetown (1985): 8-seed Villanova defeated top-seeded Georgetown in one of the most surprising championship games.
Why do upsets happen?
Several factors contribute to upsets in March Madness, including:
- One-and-Done Format: The single-elimination nature of the tournament increases the likelihood of surprises.
- Pressure: Higher-seeded teams may feel the pressure of expectations, while underdogs can play without fear.
- Matchup Styles: Sometimes, the playing style of a lower-seeded team can unexpectedly counteract that of a higher-seeded team.
The 10 biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history
Here are the 10 biggest NCAA tournament upsets by point spread since 1978, the first year we have complete data.
| Year | Upset |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Fairleigh Dickinson +23.5 vs. Purdue |
| 2012 | Norfolk State +21 vs. Missouri |
| 2018 | UMBC +20 vs. Virginia |
| 1997 | Coppin State +18.5 vs. South Carolina |
| 1993 | Santa Clara +18.5 vs. Arizona |
| 2022 | Saint Peter's +17.5 vs. Kentucky |
| 2001 | Hampton +17.5 vs. Iowa State |
| 1986 | Arkansas-Little Rock +17 vs. Notre Dame |
| 2016 | MTSU +16.5 vs. Michigan State |
| 2023 | Princeton +15.5 vs. Arizona |
Betting on upsets
Upsets can significantly impact betting strategies. Bettors often look for potential Cinderella stories to capitalize on higher odds. However, predicting upsets requires careful analysis of matchups, team forms, and historical performance, while your risk can be minimized by taking advantage of March Madness betting promos.
Conclusion
March Madness upsets are a testament to the unpredictability of sports and the essence of what makes the tournament so captivating. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, the potential for upsets adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to March Madness.
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