Did you know that March Madness has grown into the 2nd-most popular sport showcase for advertisers behind the NFL playoffs but ahead of the NBA and MLB post-season contests? In fact, the NCAA was able to funnel this popularity into a TV rights agreement worth roughly 11 billion since 2001. (Business Insider)
Now, the tournament never shies away from its tendency to amaze us all - but I think it's worthwhile to highlight some of the most entertaining moments from this year's games.
Biggest Upsets
#3- (11) UCLA 60, (6) SMU 59
This game was quite the anomaly. A lot of people didn't even think that UCLA deserved to be in the tournament. UCLA had led nearly the entire game until SMU ignited a late 19-0 run by Nic Moore. While SMU was leading by 2 with 13 seconds remaining, senior Yanick Moreira was called with a game-changing goal-tend after interfering with the shot of Bryce Alford. SMU Head Coach Larry Brown of the incident: " In my 40 years of coaching I have never seen a game end like that, that's pretty heartbreaking."
#2- (14) Georgia State 57, (3) Baylor 56
This game along with my beloved ( Iowa State) game was easily the biggest blow to the Big 12 in tournament play. A month or so ago, the Big 12 was praised at being one of the deepest and most talented conferences in all of college basketball. 9% of brackets had Georgia State beating Baylor.
#1- (14) UAB 60, (3) Iowa State 59
I don't think much more needs to be said about the game, other than the fact that I consider it the biggest upset of the 2015 NCAA tournament. UAB played a great game and deserved the victory. Their defense was impenetrable and they guarded Georges Niang as well as any team has all year. 5% of brackets had UAB defeating Iowa State.
Best Moments
#3- Coach Ron Hunter takes a tumble
Coach Ron Hunter tore his ACL celebrating his teams victory following a play in game for a trip to the Big Dance. The great part was how Coach Hunter dealt with the whole situation. The remainder of the tournament left him reliant on a make-shift stool with no back, or arm support. Hunter said of his scooter: " I'm rolling around in, not even a wheelchair, but in a scooter that's half broken." When Hunter's son sank the game winning tre, Coach threw his arms up and the stool slid out from underneath him.
#2- Nigel Hayes reveals his biggest crush
One thing we all have learned throughout this tournament is Nigel Hayes' flare for the dramatic. He is quite the comedian and has an established social media voice. He went out of his way to make the lives of the stenographers hell, by dropping words like "cattywampus". In one interview, Hayes did not know the Mic was one and turned to Kaminsky and said "Wow, she's beautiful" (referring to the stenographer). Later Hayes tweeted " Apologies to @debrabollman for accidentally verbalizing her pulchritude. I mean't no disrespect ma'am." Don't be surprised if Wisconsin "outsmarts" the Blue-Devils come Monday night.
#1- Wisconsin brings Kentucky back down to Earth.
Wisconsin's half court spread offense played a huge part in taking out the Wildcats. Kentucky hadn't faced a team nearly that efficient all season, and that was ultimately the decision-maker.
