NCAA Basketball: Most memorable NCAA Tournament runs of last decade

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

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 16: A view of the official game basketball during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament between the Arizona Wildcats and the North Dakota Fighting Sioux at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS – APRIL 03: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half while taking on the Michigan State Spartans during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on April 3, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. 2010 Butler (Horizon, 33-5, 5 Seed) National Runner-up

The 2009-10 Butler Bulldogs were technically classified as a mid-major, but heading into the 2010 NCAA Tournament it was clear they had high-major talent. They finished the regular season 28-4 and went 18-0 in the Horizon League.

They had a 6’8″ G/F in Senior Gordon Hayward. He averaged 15.5 ppg while Guard Shelvin Mack contributed 14.11 ppg. They had another strong Forward in 6’8″ Matt Howard.

For finishing 28-4 overall and 18-0 in the Horizon, they were awarded a 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That’s pretty generous for a mid-major. In the First Round they ran through UTEP 77-59 behind Shelvin Mack’s 25 points.

In the Second Round, they faced a feisty Murray State team that had just upset Vanderbilt. Murray State pushed Butler to the limit, and the Bulldogs needed a last second defensive stand in order to survive 54-52 and move on to the Sweet 16.

#1 Syracuse was their opponent in the Sweet 16. Everything Syracuse did to prove they were more talented. Hayward and the rest of the Bulldogs were right there to prove otherwise. Down 54-50 with 4 minutes to play, Butler rattled off a 11 point run to take a 61-54 lead with less than a minute to play. The Bulldogs hung on to win 63-59 to advance to the Elite 8.

The next opponent of the Bulldogs was #2 Seed Kansas State. Hayward shined once again, scoring 22 and lifting the Bulldogs to a 63-56 victory that sent them to the Final Four.

In the National Semi Final, fellow #5 seed Michigan State stood in their way. The game was a close defensive battle. Butler’s terrific defense arose once again, fighting off a last second Michigan State possession to win 52-50.

In the Title game, Butler gave #1 seed Duke all they could handle. Lots of talk surrounded Duke’s big men, but Hayward and Howard kept the battle interesting. Unfortunately for Butler, Duke remained completely composed and led 61-59 in the final seconds. With one possession left, Hayward put up a shot at the buzzer that hit the backboard then rattled off of the rim. The Bulldogs run had ended.

The takeaway from Butler’s journey to the title game is that mid-majors have the capability of playing with everyone. Even against Duke, Butler had the chance to steal the title.

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