8 Buzzer-Beaters That Changed the Course of March Madness
These eight unforgettable buzzer-beaters didn’t just win games—they changed the entire course of March Madness history.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
March Madness is built on drama, and nothing delivers it better than a last-second buzzer-beater. These eight shots didn’t just decide a game; they shifted momentum, ended dynasties, and created legends. Whether it was an underdog shocking a giant or a future NBA star cementing their legacy, each of these moments left an undeniable mark on college basketball.
1. Christian Laettner’s “The Shot” (Duke vs. Kentucky, 1992)
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With 2.1 seconds left in overtime, Grant Hill launched a full-court pass to Christian Laettner, who caught it, faked, and hit a perfect turnaround jumper. The ball swished through the net, sending Duke to the Final Four and breaking Kentucky’s heart. It remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Even Kentucky fans have to admit—it was flawless.
2. Kris Jenkins Wins the National Championship (Villanova vs. North Carolina, 2016)
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With the game tied and time running out, Ryan Arcidiacono shoveled the ball to Kris Jenkins, who calmly drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer. Confetti fell, the crowd erupted, and Villanova won its first championship in 31 years. The moment was so perfect it felt scripted. Even better? Jenkins knew it was in the second it left his hands.
3. Jalen Suggs Calls Game (Gonzaga vs. UCLA, 2021)
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Tied in overtime with the Final Four on the line, Jalen Suggs took three dribbles and pulled up from just past half-court. The ball banked in, and Gonzaga erupted in celebration, keeping their perfect season alive. Suggs sprinted to the table, leaping onto it like a WWE star. It was pure madness, the kind of shot that March is made for.
4. Bryce Drew’s Miracle (Valparaiso vs. Ole Miss, 1998)
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Down by two with 2.5 seconds left, Valparaiso needed a miracle—and Bryce Drew delivered. A perfect full-court pass led to a quick touch pass, setting up Drew for a catch-and-shoot three at the horn. Swish. The tiny underdog stunned Ole Miss, and Drew slid across the floor in celebration as one of March Madness’ best Cinderella moments was born.
5. Tyus Edney’s Coast-to-Coast Sprint (UCLA vs. Missouri, 1995)
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With 4.8 seconds left, UCLA’s championship hopes were hanging by a thread. Tyus Edney took the inbounds pass, raced the full length of the court, and floated in a one-handed layup at the buzzer. The crowd went wild, and UCLA’s title run stayed alive. Without this shot, there’s no banner hanging in Pauley Pavilion.
6. Paul Jesperson’s Half-Court Prayer (Northern Iowa vs. Texas, 2016)
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In a tie game, Northern Iowa’s Paul Jesperson took a few steps past half-court and launched a desperation shot. The buzzer sounded as the ball banked off the glass and in, sending Texas home in absolute shock. The crowd erupted, and Jesperson was mobbed by his teammates. It was the definition of a March Madness moment—unbelievable and unforgettable.
7. Jordan Poole Sends Michigan to the Sweet 16 (Michigan vs. Houston, 2018)
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Houston was one stop away from eliminating Michigan, but Jordan Poole had other plans. With time expiring, he caught a deep pass, leaned into a long three, and buried it at the buzzer. He sprinted across the court in celebration, arms flailing, as Michigan fans lost their minds. That shot didn’t just win a game—it propelled Michigan all the way to the national championship.
8. Kemba Walker Breaks Pitt’s Ankles (UConn vs. Pitt, 2011 Big East Tournament)
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Technically, this wasn’t in the NCAA tournament, but its impact was massive. In a tie game, Kemba Walker hit Pitt’s defender with a filthy step-back, sending him to the floor before draining the jumper. The shot jump-started UConn’s legendary 11-game win streak, leading them to an improbable national championship. Without this bucket, that magical run might never have happened.