HBCU Basketball: A Legacy of Upsets and Tournament History in the NCAA
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a rich and storied history in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, marked by memorable upsets, groundbreaking achievements, and the showcasing of exceptional talent. While often facing challenges as underdogs, HBCU programs have consistently defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on March Madness.
Early Achievements and Opening Round History
Alcorn State holds a special place in HBCU basketball history, as they secured the first-ever opening round victory in the NCAA Tournament. This early success paved the way for future generations of HBCU players and programs.
From 2001 to 2010, the NCAA Tournament featured an opening round, or play-in game, further increasing HBCU representation. During this period, HBCUs participated in nine of the ten games, finishing with a record of 1-7. The First Four format began in 2011, continuing the tradition of HBCU involvement in the tournament's early stages. In total, HBCUs have played in 28 out of the 40 opening round or First Four games, accounting for a significant 70 percent.
Texas Southern leads all HBCU men's basketball programs in First Four and opening-round appearances, boasting three wins in six games. Alcorn State also secured two victories during the first two years of the opening round's inception in 1983 and 1984.
Breaking Barriers in the Round of 64
North Carolina A&T and Southern University made history in 1985 by becoming the first HBCUs to appear in the Division I men's basketball tournament's round of 64, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's expanded bracket era.
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While Texas Southern holds the distinction of most Round of 64 appearances among HBCU men's basketball programs, they are still seeking their first victory in this stage of the tournament. The Tigers' most recent appearance in the Round of 64 was in 2022.
Only four HBCUs have achieved the coveted feat of winning a Round of 64 game: Southern, Coppin State, Hampton, and Norfolk State. Alcorn State also has a first-round win, but it occurred in 1980 when the bracket consisted of only 32 teams.
Underdog Status and Memorable Upsets
HBCU teams have often been seeded towards the bottom of the bracket since the Round of 64 began, frequently entering the tournament as underdogs. However, this has not deterred them from achieving remarkable upsets and capturing the hearts of fans nationwide.
The best seed any HBCU has had entering the Round of 64 was No. 13, held by Southern in 1993. That year, the Jaguars defeated No. 4 Georgia Tech in a stunning upset.
Notable Upsets
No. 15 Norfolk State beats No. 2 Missouri, 2012: Norfolk State's victory over Missouri is one of the most improbable upsets in March Madness history. Kyle O'Quinn led the charge with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin contributed with timely three-pointers.
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No. 15 Hampton beats No. 2 Iowa State, 2001: Hampton, in their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, upset Iowa State. Tarvis Williams recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks, while Marseilles Brown added 14 points.
No. 15 Coppin State beats No. 2 South Carolina, 1997: Coppin State dominated South Carolina, forcing 19 turnovers and winning the rebounding battle 41-30. Danny Singletary led all scorers with 22 points.
No. 13 Southern beats No. 4 Georgia Tech, 1993: Southern, as the last team in the field, upset Georgia Tech. Jervaughn Scales had a monster game with 27 points and 18 rebounds, while Terry Thames added 20 points.
Notable HBCU Players
HBCUs have produced some of the greatest college basketball players of all time. Here are some of the most notable:
Sam Jones (North Carolina Central): Before winning 10 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, Jones starred at North Carolina Central, averaging 17.8 points per game.
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Earl Monroe (Winston-Salem State): Monroe led Winston-Salem State to the NCAA College Division Championship. He averaged 26.7 points and 6.0 rebounds during his college career and went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion.
Charles Oakley (Virginia Union): Oakley dominated at Virginia Union, averaging 24.3 points and 17.3 rebounds.
Avery Johnson (Southern): Johnson led the NCAA in assists twice and won SWAC Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. He later won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs.
Larry Smith (Alcorn State): Smith led Alcorn State to its first NCAA Tournament win. He averaged 17.6 points and 13.1 rebounds in college and went on to play in the NBA.
Jervaughn Scales (Southern): Scales led Southern to a victory in the 1993 NCAA Tournament, recording 27 points and 18 rebounds in the game against Georgia Tech.
Larry Stewart (Coppin State): Stewart led Coppin State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and was a two-time MEAC Player of the Year.
Reginald Johnson Jr. (Hampton): Johnson starred for Hampton, leading the Pirates to an NCAA Tournament victory over Manhattan.
Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State): O'Quinn carried Norfolk State to an upset victory over Missouri, registering 26 points and 14 rebounds.
Demontrae Jefferson (Texas Southern): Jefferson electrified college basketball fans during his time at Texas Southern, leading the team in scoring and playing an instrumental role in their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.
Financial Impact of Tournament Success
Alabama State’s First Four win in the NCAA Tournament had significant financial implications for the university and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the win was worth $348,000.
The NCAA Tournament Men’s Basketball Performance Fund allocates units to conferences based on their teams' performance in the tournament. Each unit is worth approximately $2 million. These funds are crucial for conferences like the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and SWAC, which are one-bid leagues.
HBCU Representation in Women's Basketball
HBCUs have also made strides in women's basketball. Jackson State and Cheyney broke NCAA tournament ground when they appeared in the inaugural Division I women's basketball tournament in 1982. Hampton has the most NCAA tournament appearances of any HBCU women's basketball program. The only HBCUs to win a tournament game are Cheyney, South Carolina State, Howard, and Southern.
Conference Success
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has eight wins in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, while the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference boasts seven wins.
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