March Madness: 10 Greatest Cinderella Runs in NCAA Tournament History

NCAA Tournament History: The surprising ascent of underdog teams that overcome top-seeded powerhouses in the NCAA Men’s Tournament is one of its most exciting features. Every year, a team with a lower seed wins over fans’ hearts with an unexpected run through the bracket, demonstrating that anything is possible during March Madness.

As a No. 10 seed in the ACC Tournament, NC State shocked the basketball world last season by winning five straight games. Due to DJ Burns’ outstanding play, the Wolfpack subsequently carried their momentum into the NCAA Tournament, making it all the way to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed. Their unlikely run was one of many Cinderella tales that defined the tournament’s history.

Let’s celebrate ten of the most memorable Cinderella runs in Men’s NCAA Tournament history, from buzzer-beaters to bracket-busting upsets.

10 Most Memorable Cinderella Runs in NCAA Men’s Tournament History

10. 2008 Davidson – The Rise of Stephen Curry

Before Stephen Curry rose to fame as an NBA icon, he was a slender, youthful sophomore steering the underdog Davidson team through one of the most exhilarating tournament journeys ever. After dominating the Southern Conference, Davidson entered the tournament as a No. 10 seed, but few anticipated the excitement that was about to unfold.

Curry ignited the court, scoring 40 points against Gonzaga in the opening round, followed by a stunning 30-point performance against No. 2 Georgetown. He wasn’t finished yet—next, he propelled Davidson past No. 3 Wisconsin with a remarkable 33-point game, securing the Wildcats a spot in the Elite Eight.

With a chance to reach the Final Four, Davidson came close to defeating top-seeded Kansas, ultimately falling short in a heartbreaking two-point loss. Even in defeat, Curry made a lasting impression, averaging 32 points per game and showcasing his extraordinary talent to the world.

9. 2023 Florida Atlantic – The Owls Who Stole the Spotlight

Before the 2023 tournament, Florida Atlantic was relatively unknown to most college basketball fans, but by the end of March, the Owls had captured the nation’s attention.

Entering as a No. 9 seed, FAU kicked off their campaign with a thrilling one-point victory over Memphis, then avoided an upset by defeating No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, the team that had shocked Purdue in the first round.

FAU continued to silence critics, taking down No. 4 Tennessee and No. 3 Kansas State to secure a place in the Final Four. Their dream was almost realized—FAU held a one-point lead in the closing seconds against San Diego State, but heartbreak ensued when Lamont Butler’s buzzer-beater ended their remarkable run.

Despite the disappointing conclusion, Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin shone brightly, each averaging over 15 points per game, ensuring that FAU’s enchanting journey will be remembered for years to come.

8. 2013 Wichita State – The Shockers Stun the Nation

Wichita State didn’t just enter the 2013 NCAA Tournament quietly; they burst onto the scene and made a lasting impression.

After defeating No. 8 Pittsburgh in the opening round, the No. 9 Shockers achieved one of the tournament’s most significant upsets by toppling top-seeded Gonzaga and their standout player, Kelly Olynyk. They continued their fairytale journey with wins over No. 13 La Salle and No. 2 Ohio State, securing a spot in the Final Four.

Although their remarkable journey concluded against the eventual champion Louisville, Wichita State demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level. With key players like Malcolm Armstead, Cleanthony Early, and Ron Baker leading the way, the Shockers showcased that mid-major teams could stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation’s elite.

7. 2018 Loyola Chicago – The “Sister Jean” Fairytale

While some Cinderella tales revolve around last-second shots, Loyola Chicago’s 2018 journey featured an even more enchanting element—a 103-year-old nun cheering them on from the sidelines.

The No. 11 Ramblers captured the affection of fans nationwide, starting with an upset over No. 6 Miami in the first round, followed by victories against No. 3 Tennessee, No. 7 Nevada, and No. 9 Kansas State, marking their first Final Four appearance since 1963. With a well-rounded scoring strategy and tenacious defense, Loyola Chicago proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

However, it was Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the team’s chaplain, who became the symbol of the Ramblers’ extraordinary journey. Her prayers from the sidelines, engaging postgame interviews, and infectious enthusiasm turned her into a March Madness icon. Even in 2025, at the age of 105, she remains a beloved figure in college basketball.

6. 2022 Saint Peter’s – The Peacocks Fly High

Each year, an underdog from a smaller school makes waves in the NCAA Tournament, but in 2022, Saint Peter’s elevated the surprise factor to new heights.

As a No. 15 seed, the Peacocks stunned the basketball community by defeating No. 2 Kentucky in a thrilling overtime match, sending the Wildcats packing earlier than expected. Just 48 hours later, they continued their remarkable journey by toppling No. 7 Murray State, followed by a decisive victory over No. 3 Purdue in the Sweet 16.

Their fairy tale came to a close in the Elite Eight against North Carolina, but they had already etched their name in history as the first No. 15 seed to reach that stage. With KC Ndefo leading the charge defensively, including two games with six blocks, Saint Peter’s demonstrated that no seed is too low to aspire for greatness.

Following this incredible run, head coach Shaheen Holloway gained significant attention and eventually returned to his roots as the head coach of Seton Hall, his alma mater.

5. 2011 Butler – The Bulldogs’ Gritty Back-to-Back Run

In 2010, Butler made headlines by advancing to the national championship game, and in 2011, they demonstrated that their success was no mere coincidence.

As a No. 8 seed, the Bulldogs kicked off their tournament journey with a tense two-point victory over Old Dominion, followed by a stunning one-point upset against No. 1 Pittsburgh. Their momentum continued as they defeated No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 2 Florida in an overtime thriller, ultimately facing off against fellow underdog No. 11 VCU in the Final Four.

Although Butler held a halftime lead in the national championship, they ultimately succumbed to UConn, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year. Junior Shelvin Mack was instrumental in their tournament success, averaging 20.3 points per game and keeping the Bulldogs competitive throughout.

4. 2011 VCU – The Rams’ Unforgettable Final Four Sprint

Long before it became common for First Four teams to make deep tournament runs, VCU set the standard by doing it first—and doing it exceptionally well.

The No. 11 Rams had to earn their spot, beginning with a victory over USC in the First Four. This was just the start of their remarkable journey. Under the guidance of head coach Shaka Smart, the team triumphed over No. 6 Georgetown and No. 3 Purdue, both by 18 points, before edging out No. 10 Florida State in an overtime thriller. In a stunning upset, they then defeated top-seeded Kansas to secure their first-ever Final Four appearance.

Although their incredible journey concluded against Butler, Jamie Skeen made a significant impact, averaging 17.8 points per game, including an impressive 26.5 points in VCU’s final two games. This remains VCU’s deepest tournament run and one of the most exhilarating Cinderella stories in NCAA tournament history.

3. 2006 George Mason – The Patriots Make History

In 2006, George Mason was an unexpected contender, which is what made their journey so extraordinary.

Guided by head coach Jim Larrañaga, the No. 11 Patriots kicked off their incredible story by defeating No. 6 Michigan State. Then came the stunning upset as they eliminated freshman sensation Tyler Hansbrough and No. 3 North Carolina. After overcoming No. 7 Wichita State, the Patriots found themselves up against the top-seeded UConn, a team brimming with future NBA stars.

Defying all expectations, George Mason achieved an overtime victory, earning their place in the Final Four. Although they ultimately lost to the eventual champion Florida, their remarkable run is etched in history. This achievement marks only the second time George Mason has progressed beyond the first round, making their 2006 triumph even more significant.

2. 1985 Villanova – The Ultimate Underdog Triumph

March Madness is known for its surprises, but Villanova’s 1985 championship journey stands out as one of the most astonishing in history.

As an eighth seed, the Wildcats narrowly defeated ninth-seeded Dayton in their first match. From there, they began to take down formidable opponents—first, they overcame top-seeded Michigan, followed by a victory against fifth-seeded Maryland. In the Elite Eight, they shocked second-seeded North Carolina, led by Brad Daugherty, and then triumphed over second-seeded Memphis to secure their place in the national championship.

However, the toughest challenge awaited them: Patrick Ewing and the top-seeded Georgetown, the defending champions. Against all expectations, Harold Pressley, Ed Pinckney, and Dwayne McClain delivered the performances of their lives, leading Villanova to a historic upset with one of the most remarkable shooting displays in NCAA history. The Wildcats achieved an incredible shooting percentage of 78.6% (22-of-28), setting a record for a championship game.

This victory was more than just a title; it was a fairy tale conclusion for a team that consistently defeated giants throughout the tournament.

1. 1983 NC State – The Quintessential Cinderella Story

If you’re familiar with March Madness lore, you can’t overlook NC State’s iconic journey.

The sixth-seeded Wolfpack barely scraped through their opening game, needing double overtime to defeat eleventh-seeded Pepperdine. This was just the start of their thrilling campaign. They edged out third-seeded UNLV by a single point, followed by a commanding 19-point win over tenth-seeded Utah in the Sweet 16. Another nail-biter ensued against top-seeded Virginia, which they also won by one point, before overcoming fourth-seeded Georgia to reach the championship match.

And then came the moment that would forever change March Madness.

NC State faced off against top-seeded Houston, featuring future NBA stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. Yet, head coach Jim Valvano’s team stood firm. In the dying seconds of a tied game, Dereck Whittenburg launched a desperate shot—and Lorenzo Charles caught it for a game-winning dunk.

One of the most iconic images in NCAA tournament history is still Valvano’s famous sideline dash while looking for a hug. Not only was NC State’s victory unexpected, but it served as a model for all subsequent Cinderella teams.