7 College Basketball Games to Rewatch During Your Quarantine
Yeah, so this has been a tough time for everyone. Between health concerns and the cancellation of every major sport that matters, it’s understandable to feel a little lost. We just have to find other things to do. I went to the used book store and stacked up. Later, I’ll catch up on some television shows I’ve missed. In between, I’m going to replay some legendary college basketball games to make things feel a little less strange. I’ve never actually rewatched a sporting event that’s already happened but desperate times call for desperate measures. Here are seven that stick out to me as great games to rewatch.
Virginia vs. Purdue: 2019 Elite Eight
The best college basketball game ever, in my opinion. My girlfriend and I were at this game and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. From Ryan Cline‘s missed free throw until the “play of the century,” it felt like a dream. It was 95 percent Purdue fans in the building, so after Virginia won, it was a truly intimate experience watching the team cut down the nets with the few UVA fans at KFC! Yum Center.
Syracuse vs. UConn: 2009 Big East Tournament
This game was incredible and gets my vote for best Big East game of all time. I remember watching it at a bar in Binghamton, NY, not too far from Syracuse. The bars in Binghamton closed at 2 a.m. but they stayed open late so everyone could finish watching all six overtimes. Eric Devendorf going nuts on top of the scorer’s table will be a staple in ‘Cuse hoops forever. It’s just a shame they’re in the ACC now.
Michigan vs. Louisville: 2013 National Championship
Even though Louisville went on to win, I’ll always remember this game for Spike Albrecht and his out-of-nowhere performance. Just a freshman, the dude had 17 points in the national championship game after averaging 1.8 points per game during the season. On top of Albrecht, there were 10 future NBA players in this game, including the entire starting five from Michigan. Watch for yourself, but here are some of the notable names: Montrezl Harrell, Tim Hardaway Jr., Nik Stauskas, Trey Burke, Caris LeVert and Gorgui Dieng.
Virginia vs. Texas Tech: 2019 National Championship
Was also at this game and it was one of my favorite days ever. Not only is the Final Four experience incredible, but this game delivered. Virginia followed their Elite Eight win with an unlikely win in the Final Four and then another against Texas Tech in the natty. They won’t have a chance to repeat in 2020 but at least they’ll be reigning champs for another year.
Villanova vs. North Carolina: 2016 National Championship
Kris F*cking Jenkins…
UMBC vs. Virginia: 2018 Round of 64
Yes, Virginia went on to win the natty in 2019, but they never would have done it without having the heartbreak from 2018. UMBC shocked the world as a No. 16 seed to beat No. 1 Virginia, becoming the only team to ever complete the task. They didn’t just beat UVA either, Jairus Lyles (a DeMatha product) and the Retrievers blew the Hoos’ doors off by 20. You can’t forget how great the UMBC Twitter account was either.
Duke vs. Butler: 2010 National Championship
If you didn’t know of Gordon Hayward before this game, you definitely knew him after. He led the team in scoring and launched the would-be game-winner from halfcourt that jussssst missed. They were a Horizon League team at that point so just being in the Final Four was an incredible feat. To almost beat Duke in the natty was beyond nuts, then returning the following season was flat-out mind-blowing.