Top 10 Moments in NCAA Tournament History

Bill Walton goes 21 for 22 from the Field

Mar 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins former players Jamaal Wilkes (left) and Bill Walton (right) are recognized at halftime of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

I know. Another UCLA moment. But they have been really important to the NCAA Tournament for a very long time. So don’t hate on me for their level of relevance to the Big Dance.

Now, especially if you’re younger, did you know Bill Walton used to be more than just a color-commentator who dropped the most awesome, possibly pot induced references ever? He used to be the best center in a generation and possibly one of the greatest college basketball players to ever play the game.

I am not too sure if any moment highlights that more than Walton’s incredibly efficient 44 points and 13 rebounds in the 1973 title game. It only took Walton 22 shots, of which he made 21 of them, to put up that many buckets.

The game itself was tight for a while before the Bruins ran away with it. So Walton wasn’t just scoring in bunches because his team was way ahead or he was a selfish player. He was making baskets because he had to. Obviously, because UCLA, the Bruins defeated Memphis State and claimed the national title.