NCAA Basketball: 10 most memorable NCAA Tournament runs of last decade

1. 2019 Auburn (SEC, 30-10, 5 Seed) Final Four

I know it may seem odd to have Auburn as the #1 most memorable given that they really did have plenty of talent on their roster, but let’s face it, no team in Final Four history has had a tougher path to get there.

After winning the SEC Tournament, an outcome that surprised many, Auburn was gifted a #5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a First Round matchup with #12 seed New Mexico State. True followers of the college game new that this would be no easy matchup. New Mexico State had just won 30 games, the Mountain West Conference Tournament, and was a trendy upset pick by many aggressive bracket makers.

Auburn did not let the doubters phase them , but simply played their game, ultimately escaping with a 72-71 victory thanks to some missed NMSU free throws. NMSU would have given anyone in the field trouble in the first round. Despite this fact, many doubted Auburn once again in the Round of 32.

In the Second Round, the Tigers faced the #4 seed Kansas Jayhawks. Auburn came right out of the gate boasting exciting offensive firepower. Defense was solid as well, and Kansas was unable to get into a rhythm. the score was 51-25 in Auburn’s favor at the half. In the second half, Kansas got going, but the damage was already dealt, and Auburn coasted to an 89-75 victory.

Against the Jayhawks, Senior Guard Bryce Brown led the way with 25 points while shooting 9/13 from the field. Three other Auburn players (Anfernee McLemore, Chuma Okeke, and Jared Harper) also scored in the double digits. This clearly sent a message as to how many scoring options the truly had.

In the Sweet 16, Auburn matched up with North Carolina. The first half was a battle, with the two teams going back and forth and entering halftime with Auburn up 41-39. Many were shocked at that outcome, but what was even more surprising was how Auburn came out in the second half.

The Tigers came out in a fiery and energetic manner, quickly taking a double-digit lead over Roy Williams’ squad  of high talent. With 8 minutes left in the second half, and Auburn in complete control, Chuma Okeke left the game due to an ACL tear after scoring 20 points and shooting 8/11. Despite Okeke’s injury, the Tigers rallied around him rather than fell apart, and cruised to a 97-80 victory. Six players scored in the double digits this time.

In the Elite 8, the Tigers faced another blue blood, this time in SEC rival Kentucky. Having loss to Kentucky twice in the regular season, including an 80-53 annihilation on the road, many questions surrounded Auburn. Not to mention, they would also be forced to play without Chuma Okeke who had been a star for them all season.

In the first half, Kentucky led the entire time; however, Auburn kept it close, only down 35-30 at the half. In the second half, Bryce Brown, who had been quiet in the game thus far, completely came alive. His fire and inability to miss a shot was enough for the Tigers to send the Wildcats to overtime. In overtime, Auburn’s magnificent defense prevailed, and the Tigers won 77-71 to advance to the Final Four. The backcourt duo of Jared Harper and Bryce Brown contributed 26 points and 24 points, respectively.

In the Final Four, Auburn’s explosive offense permitted them to force Virginia to the edge. The final moments of the game were nothing short of entertaining. Auburn took a 61-57 lead over the Cavaliers with less than 20 seconds remaining, but a couple of questionable calls and some clutch free throw shooting was enough for Virginia to steal the win 63-62 to end the run of the Tigers.

Yes, it may seem unreasonable to have a #5 seed as the most memorable, but the fact that in the NCAA Tournament, they had to fend off a tough mid-major, upset three traditional college basketball powers, and play on through the injury of Okeke, makes their run to the Final Four nothing short of the most memorable.