Famous March Madness upsets: Some of the most shocking upsets in tournament history

The concept of Schadenfreude is heavily implicated in the allure of the underdog. The German idea provides a particular kind of emotional catharsis upon hearing about another person’s problems, failures, or humiliation. As a result, people feel a sense of pleasure and self-satisfaction. This concept is also relevant in the sports world.

As an avid sports lover, no tournament embodies Schadenfreude like March Madness when it comes to being wrong about who is the favorite to win the whole thing. But, this is why we tune in, we want to see who will be this year’s underdog that will upset some bigger team and tarnish their dreams of college greatness.

But which are the biggest upsets in March Madness history?

These upsets are common knowledge for college sports followers, but if you didn’t know, now you know.

UMBC 74-54 Virginia – 2018 First Round: This is probably the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history. In that season, Virginia had only lost two times by eight points. Also, UMBC was humiliated by Albany 83-39 that same season. But more impressive is that no 16 seed had ever beaten a number 1 seed in 135 tries. So yeah, Schadenfreude to the max.

Villanova 66-64 Georgetown – 1985 National Championship Game: before 2018, without a doubt, this was the biggest upset in college basketball history and probably of all basketball, including the NBA. The year was 1985, and number 8th seed Villanova made it to the final game, where they had to face number one seed Georgetown. Their win by two points will be remembered by everyone who loves Schadenfreude as one of the biggest upsets in sports history.

NC State 54-52 Houston – 1983 National Championship Game: before Villanova, there was NC State. Their NCCA tournament delivered some of the greatest college basketball drama in the tournament’s history. Winning game after game that they were destined to lose. NC State had to win their ACC Tournament just to be invited to March Madness, unlike others who get a place without even winning anything. So when they beat number one Houston, the sports world had one of the greatest Schadenfreude in history.

Florida Gulf Coast 78-68 Georgetown – 2013 First Round: This was a 15 vs 2 seed match, and it isn’t like a 15 hadn’t beat a number 2 in NCAA Tournament history. What is remarkable about this game is that the Eagles were only a division one team for two years, and this was their first time at the dance. Schadenfreude in the purest form.

George Mason 86-84 Connecticut – 2006 Regional Final: Yeah, this was a great run by George Mason. They did away with number 6 Michigan State, 3 North Carolina, 7 Wichita State, and consequently with number 1 Connecticut. They would lose in the final four, but big Schadenfreude nonetheless.

We can only hope to see more Schadenfreude this coming tournament. It wouldn’t be March Madness without it.