March Madness Matchups: A History of 12 Seeds vs. 5 Seeds

Every March, as the NCAA men's basketball tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the drama and excitement of the iconic 12-5 seed matchups. Year after year, these games have provided some of the most thrilling moments in March Madness history, often defying expectations and leaving a lasting impact on the tournament landscape.

**Richmond's Memorable Upset**

In 2022, the Richmond Spiders etched their names into tournament lore with a stunning upset over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Capturing the essence of March Madness, Richmond defied the odds and advanced to the next round, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball at its finest.

**Historical Perspective: 12 Seeds vs. 5 Seeds**

Since the NCAA tournament field expanded in 1985, the 12-5 matchup has been a breeding ground for upsets and underdog triumphs. With a total of 53 upsets by 12-seeds, history has shown that anything is possible when these teams take the court.

Here's a glimpse into the rich history of 12 seeds toppling their higher-seeded counterparts:

- **1985**: Kentucky stuns Washington with a 66-58 victory.
- **1991**: Eastern Michigan delivers a dominant performance, defeating Mississippi State 76-56.
- **2008**: Western Kentucky emerges victorious in a thrilling overtime battle against Drake, winning 101-99.
- **2016**: Little Rock writes its name in the annals of March Madness history with a double-overtime victory over Purdue, prevailing 85-83.

These are just a few examples of the countless memorable moments that have defined the 12-5 matchups over the years.

**Recent Highlights and Notable Performances**

In addition to Richmond's triumph in 2022, recent years have seen a resurgence of 12-seed dominance. Teams like New Mexico State, Oregon State, and Murray State have all left their mark on the tournament with impressive victories over higher-seeded opponents.

- **New Mexico State vs. UConn**: In 2022, New Mexico State added to the 12-seed legacy by defeating UConn in a thrilling contest.
- **Oregon State's Upset**: Oregon State's convincing victory over Tennessee in 2021 showcased the potential for 12 seeds to make a deep run in the tournament.
- **Ja Morant's Heroics**: Murray State's Ja Morant delivered a stellar performance in 2019, recording a triple-double as the Racers defeated Marquette in commanding fashion.
- **Liberty's Cinderella Story**: Fresh off an ASUN championship, Liberty continued the tradition of 12-seed upsets with a narrow victory over Mississippi State in 2019.

**Looking Ahead to 2024**

As the 2024 March Madness tournament approaches, anticipation is building for another round of thrilling 12-5 matchups. With a rich history of upsets and memorable moments behind them, these games continue to capture the imagination of basketball fans everywhere. As the saying goes, in March Madness, anything can happen, and the 12-5 matchups exemplify the true spirit of college basketball's premier event.