Greatest Upsets of the 2000’s
After the NCAA decided to cancel the tournament last year due to concerns rising from the Covid-19 outbreak, I'm sure many fans are happy to see March Madness back this year. We have compiled some of the greatest upsets throughout the 2000's to remember some great Cinderella stories and get ready to welcome back March Madness!
2006- (11) George Mason vs (1) UCONN 86-84
George Mason was a controversial tournament selection after losing its conference tournament and having a key player suspended for its first March Madness game. However, they made it anyway and defeated NCAA blue bloods Michigan State, North Carolina, and UCONN to make a shocking Final Four run. They ended up winning to become the first double-digit seed Final Four team in two decades.
2011- (11) Virginia Commonwealth Vs (1) Kansas 71-61
VCU won a play-in game to then make it all the way to The Elite 8. It was Shakra Smart’s 2nd year coaching. VCU came in with a huge 17-point lead in the 1st half and held on to win against Kansas.
2013 - (15) Florida Gulf coast vs (2) Georgetown 78-68
In this upset Georgetown was kicked out of the tournament by a 15 seed. FGC made it into the tournament just 6 years after becoming a D1 team. Unlike previous first round upsets, this was the first time a 15 seed made it to the Sweet 16.
2016- (15) Middle Tennessee State vs (2) Michigan State 90-81
Michigan state was a 2 seed but was a favorite to win it. They were one of the most popular picks on brackets around the country. Tom Izzo’s team was packed with seniors that everyone thought was a sure thing.
2018- (16) UMBC vs (1) Virginia -1st Round 74-54
Virginia was favored to win by 20 points but lost by 20 instead. Only twice had a #1 seed lost on opening weekend. They also lost to a team that barely qualified for the tournament.