The 25 Best Buzzer Beaters In March Madness History

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty

The 25 Best Buzzer Beaters In March Madness History

March Madness delivers some of the most electrifying moments in sports.

The tournament’s single-elimination format creates high-stakes drama, where one shot can send a team to glory or heartbreak.

Over the years, players have cemented their legacies with unforgettable buzzer beaters that defied the odds.

These shots range from deep threes to improbable last-second heaves, each leaving fans in disbelief. Every highlight tells a story of redemption, resilience, or sheer luck.

Whether it’s a Cinderella team shocking the world or a powerhouse program avoiding an upset, buzzer beaters capture the essence of March Madness.

Some shots became instant classics, replayed for generations.

Others shaped the careers of future NBA stars.

From Lorenzo Charles’ dunk to Jalen Suggs’ half-court miracle, these moments remain etched in tournament history.

Each of these buzzer beaters defines the madness of March.

Some changed the course of the tournament, while others became legendary in college basketball lore.

Whether it was a Cinderella team shocking the world or a powerhouse proving its dominance, these shots delivered pure, unforgettable magic.

Take a look below at The 25 Best Buzzer Beaters In March Madness History.

1. Christian Laettner (1992) – Duke vs. Kentucky

Laettner caught Grant Hill’s full-court pass, faked, and hit a turnaround jumper to stun Kentucky in the Elite Eight.

2. Lorenzo Charles (1983) – NC State vs. Houston

3. Jalen Suggs (2021) – Gonzaga vs. UCLA

Suggs banked in a running 35-footer in overtime to send Gonzaga to the national title game.

4. Bryce Drew (1998) – Valparaiso vs. Ole Miss

Drew drilled a three off a perfectly executed full-court play, lifting 13-seed Valpo past Ole Miss.

5. Kris Jenkins (2016) – Villanova vs. North Carolina

Jenkins sank a deep three at the horn to win the national championship for Villanova.

6. Paul Jesperson (2016) – Northern Iowa vs. Texas

Jesperson launched a half-court shot that banked in to stun Texas in the first round.

7. Trey Burke (2013) – Michigan vs. Kansas

Burke pulled up from way beyond the arc to force overtime, sparking Michigan’s comeback win.

8. Jordan Poole (2018) – Michigan vs. Houston

Poole hit a deep three at the buzzer, sending Michigan to the Sweet 16.

9. Richard Hamilton (1998) – UConn vs. Washington

Hamilton’s chaotic putback jumper fell through at the horn to push UConn into the Elite Eight.

10. Donte Ingram (2018) – Loyola Chicago vs. Miami

Ingram drilled a 30-footer to kick off Loyola’s Cinderella Final Four run.

11. T.J. Sorrentine (2005) – Vermont vs. Syracuse

Sorrentine fired a deep three to shock Syracuse and complete the upset.

12. U.S. Reed (1981) – Arkansas vs. Louisville

Reed launched a half-court bomb that stunned Louisville in the second round.

13. Matt Howard (2011) – Butler vs. Old Dominion

Howard tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer to keep Butler’s magical run alive.

14. James Forrest (1992) – Georgia Tech vs. USC

15. Mike Miller (2000) – Georgia Tech vs. USC

Forrest hit a desperation three to knock out USC in the second round.

16. Tyus Ednesy (1995) – UCLA vs. Missouri

Edney sprinted the length of the court and hit a layup to save UCLA’s title hopes.

17. Danero Thomas (2009) – Murray State vs. Vanderbilt

Thomas drilled a fadeaway jumper to knock out Vanderbilt in the opening round.

18. R.J. Hunter (2015) – Georgia State vs. Baylor

Hunter drilled a deep three with two seconds left, completing a stunning 13-seed upset and sending his father, head coach Ron Hunter, tumbling off his stool in celebration.