Classic TV shows are constantly moving online, allowing their fans to relive the glory days whenever they want. Sports fans, however, seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to finding classic games to watch online. While ESPN Classic allows you to re-live great games on their schedule, the idea of watching any classic game online and on-demand is tantalizing.
This week, an exciting first step was taken towards that future as the NCAA posted 150 classic March Madness games from the last decade. With the 2010 tournament fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the best games in recent memory.
5) Auburn vs. Syracuse, 2003 Sweet 16: Carmello Anthony’s only season at Syracuse led to a national title and his coronation as the country’s the best young player not named LeBron James. But everyone forgets that getting to the title game that year meant surviving an unreal shooting performance from Auburn. In the game’s final 78 seconds they gave every Syracuse fan reason to worry by hitting four 3-pointers and bringing the game to the last play.
4) George Mason vs. UConn, 2006 Elite Eight: After years of hoping that a Cinderella team could make it all the way to the Final Four in a sixty-four team field, it was unlikely George Mason that put it all together. In the final win of their stunning run, they met a top ranked UConn team that led by 12 at the half. Fast forward to the halfway point to watch George Mason take control.
3) Villanova vs. Pittsburgh, 2009 Elite Eight: Since winning the NCAA title as an eight seed in 1985, Villanova had not returned to a Final Four. In this classic battle for a final four spot, Nova’s Scottie Reynolds is forced to go the length of the court in effort to break a tie against a strong Pittsburgh team led by Sam Young.
2) Kansas vs Memphis, 2008 National Title: National title games are frequently the least exciting game of the tournament, but when Mario Chalmers hit a stunning last second three pointer to force OT, this game was elevated to classic status.
1) Gonzaga vs. UCLA, 2006 Sweet 16: While the game may be forever remembered for Gonzaga forward Adam Morrison’s emotional breakdown afterwards, the final minute ranks with the best March Madness games of all time. Perennial underdog Gonzaga came out on fire, up as much as 17 in the first half and continuing to hold the lead into the final minute. Watch as UCLA fights back with a full court press for the ages…
Bonus Reason to Watch: The game is called by Gus Johnson, without a doubt the most over the top and enjoyable close game announcer in sports.
The Clicker office has fans of UCLA, Kentucky, Texas, and Villanova and each team has been involved in some memorable, if sometimes heartbreaking games this decade.
March Madness begins with Selection Sunday on March 14th and continuing rapid fire with the always-crazy first two rounds of games taking place over four days from March 18 – March 21st.
Full Schedule:
Selection Sunday…………………….March 14
Opening Round Game……………..March 16
1st Round…………………………….March 18-19
2nd Round…………………………..March 20-21
NCAA Sweet 16…………………….March 25-26
Elite Eight…………………………..March 27-28
Final Four…………………………..April 3
National Championship…………April 5
