Which March Madness champion is the best college basketball team of all time?

Every year around March Madness, a familiar debate emerges: who is the best college basketball team of all time? And, more specifically, who is the best champion?

With apologies to the 1979 Indiana State Sycamores, 1983 Houston Cougars, and 1991 UNLV Rebels, a team can't be considered the greatest of all time if it couldn't survive its own NCAA Tournament bracket. No, winning in the postseason is a prerequisite to greatness, as legends are born and legacies are forged in the fires of March.

So which former title winner would reign supreme in a tournament to decide college basketball's ultimate champion? Which teams would even draw an invite to such a historic showcase, and which stars would leave their indelible mark on this all-time tourney?

To answer all of that, we've meticulously combed through the annals of tournament lore to settle the "greatest team" debate once and for all ahead of the 2024 NCAA Tournament — with a full 64-team bracket spanning eight decades of basketball and betting odds for every matchup of this exalted Tournament of Champions. Buckle up.

How does the tournament work?

Imagine, if you will, that every previous NCAA Tournament winner was frozen in time.

Moments after the final buzzer sounded on their championship run, they were whisked away to a neutral court in a neutral time, awaiting their potential seed in a 64-team tournament to crown the greatest champion of all.

Of course, with 84 title winners to choose from, not every team will make the cut. Those that do face a gauntlet unlike any that college basketball has ever seen.

Selection process

In the spirit of objectivity, we commissioned a committee of robot overlords to help us seed the initial 64-team field. This committee underwent several rounds of training to refine its process and historical insights, with seeding based on three factors of equal weight:

• Resume: This committee was instructed to consider a team's overall statistical resume, including its record, margin of victory, strength of schedule, and any other metrics that may help determine a team's qualifications for this tournament.
• Eye test: This committee was instructed to consider the talent on a team's roster, as judged by accolades won in college (All-American, All-Conference, Player of the Year), eventual NBA draft status and success, and even recruiting data where available. This also includes a team's coaching talent and acumen.
• Subjective comparison: This committee was instructed to consider the public discourse surrounding these teams and use any available resources (articles, rankings, and other relevant lists) to help establish historical dominance by era and overall worthiness for inclusion in this tournament.

This committee was also trained on the mechanics of sports betting, specifically as it relates to college basketball. That knowledge was used to set the initial betting odds to win the tournament (as shown below), as well as the point spread, moneyline, and total for all 63 matchups.

Tournament rules

While the teams in competition hail from all eras of college basketball, the tournament will be officiated by present-day rules. That includes a few key distinctions from the early days:

• 3-point line (22 feet, 1.75 in)
• 30-second shot clock
• Dunking is allowed

Recent champions would seem most likely to benefit from these modern rules, but remember that plenty of elite shooters existed before the 1980s even without a 3-point line to reward them. Similarly, some of the best teams of all time were hindered for years by the prohibition on dunking and the propensity by lesser foes to stall without a shot clock.

Just like March Madness, each team will have five or six days to prepare for its first opponent and two days for its next one — a cycle that repeats until one team is left standing. That means these matchups will be decided by the same factors that ultimately dictate any college basketball tournament: coaching, star power, versatility, and a little luck along the way.

Tournament of Champions bracket, seeding reactions

the Tournament of Champions bracket.

Seeding overview

As you might expect in a tournament of all-time greats, UCLA takes three of the four No. 1 seeds and leads all schools with 11 selections in the field. In a bit of a surprise, though, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers enter the Tournament of Champions with the coveted top overall seed.

North Carolina (six), UConn (five), Duke (four), and Kentucky (four) join UCLA as the only programs with at least four entries in this all-time bracket. Indiana, Louisville, and Villanova all boast three teams apiece, while 27 schools in total are represented with at least one contender in the Tournament of Champions.

First Four Out

• 1947 Holy Cross Crusaders
• 1959 California Golden Bears
• 1940 Indiana Hoosiers
• 1941 Wisconsin Badgers

Most controversial seeds

• 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels (2): It feels like the Tar Heels' perfect 32-0 record really caught the committee's attention, even with some serious luck needed to pull it off.
• 2007 Florida Gators (4): Most people don't think of the Gators when rattling off the best teams in college basketball history, but the committee seems impressed with the NBA-caliber talent on display for the back-to-back champs.
• 1985 Villanova Wildcats (6): No team has ever won the title with a lower seed than Villanova, which is somehow slotted higher among champions than it was among its peers when it prevailed as a No. 8 seed.
• 1969 UCLA Bruins (12): It's an unenviable task to rank John Wooden's myriad title teams, but this feels particularly egregious by the committee. I'd hate to draw these Bruins as a higher-seeded team.
• 1966 Texas Western Miners (13): The Miners featured the first all-black starting lineup to ever win an NCAA title. Their reward? A bottom-four seed in the most loaded field of all-time.

Biggest tournament snubs

• 2022 Kansas Jayhawks: The Jayhawks are the most recent champions to miss the field and perhaps the most deserving of those on the bubble, though they did fall behind by 15 points at halftime of their own title win.
• 1948 Kentucky Wildcats: While none of Adolph Rupp's four title winners are represented in this tournament, the '48 team outscored opponents by 23.4 points per game — the best mark by any team not in the 64-team field.
• 1991 Duke Blue Devils: The '92 team earned a top-three seed from the committee, but the '91 team missed out entirely despite facing the ninth-toughest schedule of any former champion.

Worst team to ever win March Madness

The lowliest NCAA Tournament champion of all, according to the committee? Utah lost in the first round of the NIT Tournament in 1944 with a roster full of players raised within 35 miles of campus. But when multiple Arkansas starters suffered serious injuries in a roadside accident, the "Blitz Kids" stepped in as a tournament replacement and made history — only to earn this dubious distinction 80 years later.

Tournament of Champions Betting Odds

1st round matchups

Midwest Region

1976 Indiana (1) vs. 2021 Baylor (16)

• Point spread: Indiana -8.5
• Moneyline: Indiana -320, Baylor +260
• Total O/U: 139.5

Baylor features more shooting and athleticism in this matchup, led by future pros Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler. But the Hoosiers use size, interior scoring, and elite perimeter defense to swallow up the guard-heavy Bears and remain unbeaten. Indiana 73, Baylor 60.

2016 Villanova (8) vs. 2008 Kansas (9)

• Point spread: Villanova -1
• Moneyline: Villanova -115, Kansas -105
• Total O/U: 139.5

These teams authored two of the biggest shots in NCAA Tournament history, so it's only fitting they'd meet in the first round. A freshman Jalen Brunson scores 12 off the bench, including two free throws late, to bury Kansas in a nail-biter. Villanova 71, Kansas 68.

1996 Kentucky (5) vs. 1971 UCLA (12)

• Point spread: Kentucky -7
• Moneyline: Kentucky -270, UCLA +220
• Total O/U: 142.5

With nine future NBA players on the roster, Kentucky relies on its depth and relentless pressure to fluster UCLA's Sidney Wicks and Curtis Rowe in a resilient win for "The Untouchables." Kentucky 76, UCLA 71.

1960 Ohio State (4) vs. 1975 UCLA (13)

• Point spread: Ohio State -2.5
• Moneyline: Ohio State -140, UCLA +120
• Total O/U: 139.5

These Buckeyes certainly don't lack for talent, even in a matchup with the last of Wooden's championship teams. Without Bill Walton or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) on the other side, sophomore Jerry Lucas (23 points, 20 rebounds) tips the scales for his team in a close win. Ohio State 74, UCLA 70.

1985 Villanova (6) vs. 2004 UConn (11)

• Point spread: UConn -2
• Moneyline: UConn -130, Villanova +110
• Total O/U: 129.5

This is the only first-round matchup with the lesser seed favored, and it's easy to see why. Villanova's storybook run ends with Emeka Okafor (18 points) dunking all over the Wildcats in a convincing win for the Huskies. UConn 70, Villanova 57.

1992 Duke (3) vs. 1995 UCLA (14)

• Point spread: Duke -6
• Moneyline: Duke -245, UCLA +205
• Total O/U: 147.5

This UCLA team pales in comparison to the top seeds in this tournament, but with six future pros — including Ed O'Bannon — the Bruins are a tough out. Duke still wins comfortably behind 21 points from star scorer Christian Laettner. Duke 82, UCLA 70.

1962 Cincinnati (7) vs. 2014 UConn (10)

• Point spread: Cincinnati -4.5
• Moneyline: Cincinnati -180, UConn +155
• Total O/U: 127.5

Shabazz Napier did his best Kemba Walker impression for three weeks in the 2014 tournament. He can't keep it going against Cincinnati, which wears down the red-hot guard (13 points) in a physical win decided in the final minute. Cincinnati 63, UConn 60.

1982 North Carolina (2) vs. 2006 Florida (15)

• Point spread: North Carolina -6.5
• Moneyline: North Carolina -260, Florida +220
• Total O/U: 145.5

Even with multiple future Hall of Famers on the court, North Carolina nearly blows a double-digit halftime lead before freshman Michael Jordan (17 points) takes over late. Florida's Corey Brewer misses a three at the buzzer in a first-round thriller. North Carolina 74, Florida 72.

Midwest Region scores and betting recap

East Region

1972 UCLA (1) vs. 1988 Kansas (16)

• Point spread: UCLA -11
• Moneyline: UCLA -440, Kansas +350
• Total O/U: 142.5

There's a reason the '72 Bruins are the biggest favorites of the first round. Walton (31 points) outshines Kansas' Danny Manning (18) in a statement win for the overall tournament favorite. UCLA 85, Kansas 64.

1987 Indiana (8) vs. 1989 Michigan (9)

• Point spread: Indiana -2.5
• Moneyline: Indiana -140, Michigan +120
• Total O/U: 143.5

Before the Fab Five, Michigan featured a loaded roster in 1989 led by superstar scorer Glen Rice. His lethal outside shot bends Indiana's typically stout defense in a 32-point effort for the upset-minded Wolverines. Michigan 75, Indiana 71.

1980 Louisville (5) vs. 1969 UCLA (12)

• Point spread: Louisville -3
• Moneyline: Louisville -155, UCLA +135
• Total O/U: 133.5

Louisville featured six future pros in 1980, including top-three picks Darrell Griffith and Rodney McCray, but UCLA boasted an all-time talented roster in 1969. The tournament's most underseeded team proves too much in the paint in an "upset" victory. UCLA 72, Louisville 64.

2012 Kentucky (4) vs. 1963 Loyola Chicago (13)

• Point spread: Kentucky -10
• Moneyline: Kentucky -400, Loyola Chicago +330
• Total O/U: 143.5

With all due respect to Jerry Harkness, Les Hunter, and the rest of this trailblazing Ramblers roster, they've never seen a player like Anthony Davis (22 points, seven blocks). He and teammate Doron Lamb (18 points) power the Wildcats to a stress-free victory in Round 1. Kentucky 77, Loyola Chicago 62.

2018 Villanova (6) vs. 1998 Kentucky (11)

• Point spread: Villanova -6.5
• Moneyline: Villanova -260, Kentucky +210
• Total O/U: 145.5

Villanova seemingly broke basketball with its ultra-modern approach in 2018. That elite shooting and ball movement prove too much for the "Comeback Cats," whose supersized frontcourt is exposed in a high-scoring affair. Villanova 86, Kentucky 76.

1974 NC State (3) vs. 1994 Arkansas (14)

• Point spread: NC State -4.5
• Moneyline: NC State -190, Arkansas +165
• Total O/U: 150.5

Nolan Richardson's "40 Minutes of Hell" flusters NC State early, but the team that ended UCLA's seven-year title reign won't go down without a fight. David Thompson (26 points) scores the go-ahead bucket with 4.6 seconds left to save the 'Pack. NC State 82, Arkansas 80.

1978 Kentucky (7) vs. 2010 Duke (10)

• Point spread: Kentucky -5
• Moneyline: Kentucky -210, Duke +175
• Total O/U: 138.5

When everything is clicking, good luck slowing down these Blue Devils, who featured three 17 PPG scorers and seven future pros in 2010. They get hot from deep to survive Jack Givens' 33 points in a losing effort for the Wildcats. Duke 79, Kentucky 74.

1957 North Carolina (2) vs. 2011 UConn (15)

• Point spread: North Carolina -4
• Moneyline: North Carolina -175, UConn +155
• Total O/U: 131.5

It took a combined six overtimes in the Final Four for UNC, led by top-10 pick Lennie Rosenbluth, to pull off a perfect 32-0 season in '57. It takes just one shot by Kemba Walker (25 points) — a step-back jumper at the buzzer — for Connecticut to score one of the biggest upsets of the first round. UConn 64, North Carolina 62.

East Region scores and betting recap

South Region

1973 UCLA (1) vs. 1961 Cincinnati (16)

• Point spread: UCLA -9.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -400, Cincinnati +320
• Total O/U: 136.5

This might be a more interesting matchup if Oscar Robertson was still on the Bearcats' roster. Alas, Paul Hogue (19 points) and Bob Wiesenhahn (13) keep Cincinnati within striking distance before Walton (26) puts it away down the stretch for the Bruins. UCLA 74, Cincinnati 65.

1970 UCLA (8) vs. 2000 Michigan State (9)

• Point spread: UCLA -3
• Moneyline: UCLA -150, Michigan State +130
• Total O/U: 135.5

An all-time coaching matchup between Wooden and Tom Izzo doesn't disappoint. The Spartans' physical style disrupts a UCLA offense predicated on ball movement in the lowest-scoring game of the first round. Michigan State 57, UCLA 54.

1990 UNLV (5) vs. 1986 Louisville (12)

• Point spread: UNLV -6
• Moneyline: UNLV -240, Louisville +200
• Total O/U: 146.5

In many ways, this UNLV team pales in comparison to the dominant '91 team that carried an undefeated record into the Final Four. Even so, Louisville can't keep up with Jerry Tarkanian's high-flying Runnin' Rebels in a blowout result. UNLV 85, Louisville 68.

1984 Georgetown (4) vs. 1965 UCLA (13)

• Point spread: Georgetown -4.5
• Moneyline: Georgetown -180, UCLA +160
• Total O/U: 130.5

Any Wooden-coached team is a threat in this tournament, but even the greatest coach of all time doesn't have an answer for Patrick Ewing (15 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks) in a hard-fought win for the Hoyas. Georgetown 66, UCLA 61.

2015 Duke (6) vs. 2002 Maryland (11)

• Point spread: Duke -4
• Moneyline: Duke -175, Maryland +150
• Total O/U: 144.5

Maryland lacks the star power of its contemporaries in this tournament. Seniors Juan Dixon (22 points) and Lonny Baxter (17) get the best of the talented but inexperienced Blue Devils, anyway, in a first-round barnburner. Maryland 78, Duke 73.

1955 San Francisco (3) vs. 1981 Indiana (14)

• Point spread: San Francisco -5.5
• Moneyline: San Francisco -210, Indiana +175
• Total O/U: 134.5

You could argue this San Francisco team is even better than the undefeated squad in 1956. With Bill Russell (25 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocks) patrolling the paint for the Dons, Isiah Thomas has more turnovers (five) than buckets (four) in a lopsided loss for the Hoosiers. San Francisco 72, Indiana 56.

2023 UConn (7) vs. 2003 Syracuse (10)

• Point spread: UConn -1.5
• Moneyline: UConn -120, Syracuse +100
• Total O/U: 131.5

After dominating inside in the 2023 tournament, Connecticut is baited into a cold shooting spell against Syracuse's 2-3 zone. Carmelo Anthony scores a game-high 26 points, including 16 in the second half, to help the Orange advance. Syracuse 73, UConn 67.

1967 UCLA (2) vs. 2013 Louisville (15)

• Point spread: UCLA -5.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -220, Louisville +180
• Total O/U: 137.5

Louisville's press gave teams fits in the 2013 tournament, but Wooden has his team prepared. Abdul-Jabbar drops 30 points and 21 rebounds in a comfortable win for the Bruins. UCLA 75, Louisville 60.

South Region scores and betting recap

West Region

1968 UCLA (1) vs. 2019 Virginia (16)

• Point spread: UCLA -7
• Moneyline: UCLA -280, Virginia +240
• Total O/U: 125.5

In a bit of a role reversal, No. 16 seed Virginia has top-seeded UCLA on the ropes until the second half, when Abdul-Jabbar (23 points) cracks the Cavaliers' pack-line defense to avoid a monumental upset. UCLA 63, Virginia 58.

1999 UConn (8) vs. 1993 North Carolina (9)

• Point spread: UConn -2.5
• Moneyline: UConn -135, North Carolina +115
• Total O/U: 141.5

Dean Smith's second title team has the advantage inside, but the Huskies have the game's best shot-maker in Richard Hamilton. He avenges a previous Elite Eight loss to UNC with 28 points, including the go-ahead bucket with six seconds left to win it. UConn 74, North Carolina 72.

2001 Duke (5) vs. 1979 Michigan State (12)

• Point spread: Duke -5.5
• Moneyline: Duke -225, Michigan State +185
• Total O/U: 139.5

Duke had no shortage of talent in 2001, but it didn't have anyone like Magic Johnson, who is fresh off besting Larry Bird in that storied 1979 final. His 30-point triple-double in the tournament's opening round carries Michigan State to an upset victory. Michigan State 75, Duke 70.

2007 Florida (4) vs. 1966 Texas Western (13)

• Point spread: Florida -7
• Moneyline: Florida -275, Texas Western +230
• Total O/U: 139.5

The Miners' 1966 title run is one of the best stories in the history of college basketball. Tell that to Al Horford (13 rebounds) and Joakim Noah (11), two of six future NBA players on the other side. Florida wins easily. Florida 75, Texas Western 59.

2009 North Carolina (6) vs. 1983 NC State (11)

• Point spread: North Carolina -4.5
• Moneyline: North Carolina -190, NC State +160
• Total O/U: 148.5

NC State's shocking run through the 1983 tournament is stuff of legend, but even a rousing halftime speech from Jim Valvano isn't enough for the "Cardiac Pack" to overcome Tyler Hansbrough (22 points, 12 rebounds) and rest of UNC's loaded roster. North Carolina 85, NC State 75.

1964 UCLA (3) vs. 1977 Marquette (14)

• Point spread: UCLA -6.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -250, Marquette +210
• Total O/U: 141.5

These Bruins don't have the star power of subsequent teams under Wooden. Gail Goodrich and Walt Hazzard still combine for 45 of UCLA's 75 points in a measured win over Al McGuire's final Marquette squad. UCLA 75, Marquette 67.

2005 North Carolina (7) vs. 1997 Arizona (10)

• Point spread: North Carolina -3.5
• Moneyline: North Carolina -165, Arizona +145
• Total O/U: 147.5

Lute Olson's pesky crew is no stranger to a tournament upset, but UNC's stacked lineup overwhelms Arizona behind a balanced output from Sean May (23 points), Marvin Williams (16), and Raymond Felton (14). North Carolina 79, Arizona 72.

1956 San Francisco (2) vs. 2017 North Carolina (15)

• Point spread: San Francisco -6.5
• Moneyline: San Francisco -265, North Carolina +225
• Total O/U: 138.5

The Tar Heels were fueled by a redemptive fire throughout that '17 title run. Streaky shooting from beyond the arc (5-of-25) dooms their chances against Russell and Co. in a tense first-round win for the Dons. San Francisco 70, North Carolina 63.

West Region scores and betting recap

2nd round matchups

Midwest Region

1976 Indiana (1) vs. 2016 Villanova (8)

• Point spread: Indiana -4.5
• Moneyline: Indiana -200, Villanova +170
• Total O/U: 142.5

The Wildcats reward oddsmakers' confidence with a strong first half against the No. 1 overall seed. Yet the Hoosiers' defense finally shuts down the sweet shooting of Josh Hart (15 points) and tournament hero Kris Jenkins (13), with center Kent Benson (21) taking over down the stretch for Indiana. Indiana 76, Villanova 70.

1960 Ohio State (4) vs. 1996 Kentucky (5)

• Point spread: Kentucky -3.5
• Moneyline: Kentucky -160, Ohio State +140
• Total O/U: 145.5

In one of the best matchups of the second round, Ohio State builds a double-digit halftime lead behind 18 points from Lucas at intermission. That's when Rick Pitino's crew flips the switch, forcing 14 second-half turnovers to steal a spot in the Sweet 16. Kentucky 76, Ohio State 73.

1992 Duke (3) vs. 2004 UConn (11)

• Point spread: Duke -2.5
• Moneyline: Duke -140, UConn +120
• Total O/U: 147.5

UConn's athleticism is a major test for Duke's typically stout defense, especially in the frontcourt. The Blue Devils still have too much firepower, led by Grant Hill (24 points) and Laettner (19), for the Huskies to overcome. Duke 81, UConn 70.

1982 North Carolina (2) vs. 1962 Cincinnati (7)

• Point spread: North Carolina -5
• Moneyline: North Carolina -210, Cincinnati +175
• Total O/U: 139.5

After enduring a brief scare in the first round, Jordan (21 points) and James Worthy (19) power UNC to a wire-to-wire victory over the Bearcats in the second round. North Carolina 77, Cincinnati 66.

Midwest Region scores and betting recap

East Region

1972 UCLA (1) vs. 1989 Michigan (9)

• Point spread: UCLA -8
• Moneyline: UCLA -340, Michigan +280
• Total O/U: 144.5

Another round, another sweet shooting performance from Rice (24 points) to keep Michigan's all-time title hopes alive. But Walton (eight blocks) locks down the paint and adds 26 points of his own to help the Bruins pull away late in a game that feels closer than the final margin. UCLA 80, Michigan 70.

2012 Kentucky (4) vs. 1969 UCLA (12)

• Point spread: Kentucky -2
• Moneyline: Kentucky -130, UCLA +110
• Total O/U: 137.5

Davis might be the only player alive who could contest an Abdul-Jabbar sky hook. His defense inside — and the Wildcats' size along the perimeter — stifles a loaded Bruins squad in a nail-biting win for John Calipari's talented bunch. Kentucky 67, UCLA 64.

1974 NC State (3) vs. 2018 Villanova (6)

• Point spread: Villanova -1.5
• Moneyline: Villanova -125, NC State +105
• Total O/U: 141.5

This is a tough draw for NC State, which typically enjoys a huge advantage inside (literally) with 7-2 center Tom Burleson. The eventual No. 3 pick is a liability in this matchup, though, as Villanova lights it up from long range to survive a furious effort from Thompson (32 points). Villanova 78, NC State 73.

2010 Duke (10) vs. 2011 UConn (15)

• Point spread: Duke -4
• Moneyline: Duke -180, UConn +160
• Total O/U: 139.5

It wouldn't be March Madness without double-digit seeds facing off for a Sweet 16 berth, right? Duke's defense limits Connecticut to just one 3-pointer, but Walker (29 points) is a man on a mission. The Huskies march on as tournament darlings. UConn 68, Duke 66.

East Region scores and betting recap

South Region

1973 UCLA (1) vs. 2000 Michigan State (9)

• Point spread: UCLA -7
• Moneyline: UCLA -280, Michigan State +240
• Total O/U: 134.5

Michigan State already beat one UCLA team in Round 1, but the inside presence of Walton (27 points, 17 rebounds) makes all the difference for the unbeaten Bruins in a comfortable second-round win. UCLA 72, Michigan State 61.

1984 Georgetown (4) vs. 1990 UNLV (5)

• Point spread: UNLV -2
• Moneyline: UNLV -130, Georgetown +110
• Total O/U: 142.5

You can't shut down Ewing completely, but this is a nightmare matchup for Georgetown's 7-foot big man against a team that loves to push the pace. Larry Johnson (23 points) and the Runnin' Rebels wear down the Hoyas' big man in an adrenaline-fueled win. UNLV 79, Georgetown 73.

1955 San Francisco (3) vs. 2002 Maryland (11)

• Point spread: San Francisco -3
• Moneyline: San Francisco -150, Maryland +130
• Total O/U: 131.5

Maryland surprised with a big win over longtime ACC rival Duke in the first round. Gary Williams' flex offense is only so effective when Russell (11 blocks) is waiting at the rim, though. San Francisco rolls to the Sweet 16. San Francisco 68, Maryland 57.

1967 UCLA (2) vs. 2003 Syracuse (10)

• Point spread: UCLA -5.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -220, Syracuse +180
• Total O/U: 136.5

Anthony doesn't shy away from this historic test, leading all scorers with 35 points on 23 shots. Yet Abdul-Jabbar is the poster child for exploiting this 2-3 zone, and UCLA's Lucius Allen (16 points) hits enough key shots late to squeeze the Orange in the second round. UCLA 75, Syracuse 71.

South Region scores and betting recap

West Region

1968 UCLA (1) vs. 1999 UConn (8)

• Point spread: UCLA -6.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -260, UConn +220
• Total O/U: 135.5

Following a hot night in the first round, Hamilton (16 points) can't get anything going against UCLA, which builds a double-digit halftime lead and never looks back against an overmatched Connecticut squad. UCLA 74, UConn 58.

2007 Florida (4) vs. 1979 Michigan State (12)

• Point spread: Florida -3.5
• Moneyline: Florida -160, Michigan State +140
• Total O/U: 140.5

Florida's frontcourt is a problem for the Spartans, whose tallest player is 6-8. That player just so happens to be Magic Johnson, who continues a sensational tournament run with his second triple-double for Michigan State — highlighted by an assist to Greg Kelser (23 points) with 1.1 seconds left to win it. Michigan State 71, Florida 69.

1964 UCLA (3) vs. 2009 North Carolina (6)

• Point spread: UCLA -1
• Moneyline: UCLA -120, North Carolina +100
• Total O/U: 143.5

Even without Abdul-Jabbar or Walton, this UCLA team was a force with two future All-Stars in Goodrich and Hazzard. What the Bruins lacked was size, which is a problem against Hansbrough (24 points, 15 rebounds) and the Tar Heels' relentless guards. UNC eeks out a close one. North Carolina 78, UCLA 74.

1956 San Francisco (2) vs. 2005 North Carolina (7)

• Point spread: San Francisco -2.5
• Moneyline: San Francisco -130, North Carolina +110
• Total O/U: 138.5

The best way to shut down May and the Tar Heels is an elite defensive center like Russell. Yet with star guard K.C. Jones disqualified for the postseason, the trio of Felton (19 points), Williams (17), and Rashad McCants (14) proves too much for the NCAA's first undefeated champion to overcome. North Carolina 68, San Francisco 65.

West Region scores and betting recap

Sweet 16 matchups

Midwest Region

1976 Indiana (1) vs. 1996 Kentucky (5)

• Point spread: Indiana -2
• Moneyline: Indiana -130, Kentucky +110
• Total O/U: 148.5

As is the case with most of these Sweet 16 matchups, this is an absolute treat for college basketball fans.

Indiana jumps out to an early lead with Scott May (23 points) and Benson (20) attacking down low, but Antoine Walker (17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) does all he can to keep Kentucky within striking distance. As the second half wears on, the Hoosiers' clockwork offense starts to crumble under the Wildcats' relentless ball pressure.

Clinging to a one-point lead and the ball with 10 seconds left, an errant pass by Indiana's Quinn Buckner leads to chaos on the other end, as Wildcats senior Tony Delk (21 points) drills a leaning 15-footer as time expires to down the tournament's No. 1 overall seed. Kentucky 71, Indiana 70.

1982 North Carolina (2) vs. 1992 Duke (3)

• Point spread: North Carolina -1.5
• Moneyline: North Carolina -125, Duke +105
• Total O/U: 155.5

You can argue these teams are the best ever for either side of this Tobacco Road showdown. And neither will go down easy.

The Tar Heels draw first blood in this all-time matchup behind a strong start from Worthy, who scores 16 of his game-high 27 points in a spirited first half. The Blue Devils come roaring back, of course, with Laettner (23 points) and Hill (17) each shooting better than 50% from the field by the final horn.

In the end, it's overlooked star Sam Perkins (15) who finds himself open in the corner in the waning moments. The UNC big man calmly sinks a 3-pointer — the first of his career thanks to the tournament's modern rules — to secure the second-biggest win in the history of the rivalry. North Carolina 82, Duke 79.

Midwest Region scores and betting recap

East Region

1972 UCLA (1) vs. 2012 Kentucky (4)

• Point spread: UCLA -5.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -220, Kentucky +180
• Total O/U: 143.5

Five days after corralling Abdul-Jabbar, Davis is tasked with shutting down Walton, who is already in the discussion among the greatest players in college basketball history as a freshman. It doesn't take long to realize the Wooden Award winner is up for the challenge against an all-time foe.

Kentucky's 6-10 star uses his otherworldly 7-6 wingspan to frustrate Walton defensively while also coaxing the towering UCLA big out to the perimeter on the other end, opening up lanes inside for slashing guards Doron Lamb (21 points) and Marquis Teague (13).

Wooden answers with a 2-2-1 zone to speed up the Wildcats and tether Walton to the paint, but Davis — a former high school point guard — responds with a career-high seven assists in a truly Herculean effort. UCLA rallies late, but Henry Bibby's desperate heave at the horn falls short as one of the best teams of all time stares down an early exit. Kentucky 70, UCLA 67.

2018 Villanova (6) vs. 2011 UConn (15)

• Point spread: Villanova -4
• Moneyline: Villanova -180, UConn +160
• Total O/U: 149.5

Sometimes, great teams win in big-time moments. Other times, great players do. Walker has already proven to be the latter, and the Huskies' dynamic guard continues his all-time tournament run with a game-high 11 assists as freshmen teammates Jeremy Lamb (22 points) and Napier (12) carry the scoring load.

That's just enough to outlast Villanova, which finally runs cold from deep against an inspired Connecticut defense and its virtuoso combo guard. The tournament's lowest-remaining seed survives once again. UConn 76, Villanova 72.

East Region scores and betting recap

South Region

1973 UCLA (1) vs. 1990 UNLV (5)

• Point spread: UCLA -2.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -140, UNLV +120
• Total O/U: 152.5

From the opening tip, it looks like the Runnin' Rebels might fittingly run away with this one, as a few early miscues by UCLA forward Jamaal Wilkes spur a hot start for Tarkanian's group.

Eventually, Walton settles in and demands the ball against UNLV's disruptive but undersized frontcourt, and the Bruins never look back. The 6-11 star finishes with 33 points and 17 boards to ensure an eventual double-digit win. UCLA 84, UNLV 72.

1967 UCLA (2) vs. 1955 San Francisco (3)

• Point spread: UCLA -1
• Moneyline: UCLA -120, San Francisco +100
• Total O/U: 137.5

By the time San Francisco reached the national title game in 1955, it was magnitudes better than the team that suffered its lone loss to UCLA earlier that season. A key reason was Russell (26 points, 17 rebounds), who forces Abdul-Jabbar into tough shots from the opening tip of this Sweet 16 matchup.

The other reason was Jones, whose relentless pressure rankles Allen and Mike Warren in the Bruins' backcourt. The Dons' heady point guard adds 18 points and six assists on the other end, too, to help San Francisco escape with a low-scoring upset win. San Francisco 65, UCLA 63.

South Region scores and betting recap

West Region

1968 UCLA (1) vs. 1979 Michigan State (12)

• Point spread: UCLA -6
• Moneyline: UCLA -250, Michigan State +210
• Total O/U: 141.5

Much of the attention surrounding this matchup is fixed on the showdown between Abdul-Jabbar and his future teammate, Magic Johnson, whose triple-double streak has carried Michigan State to this point in the all-time tournament.

Those two rise to the occasion, as expected, combining for 61 points in a "Showtime" preview of sorts. But UCLA junior Lynn Shackelford (15 points) steals the spotlight with a barrage from deep, hitting five threes in this modern format to help the Bruins hold off the Spartans' late charge. UCLA 78, Michigan State 71.

2009 North Carolina (6) vs. 2005 North Carolina (7)

• Point spread: '09 North Carolina -1.5
• Moneyline: '09 North Carolina -125, '05 North Carolina +105
• Total O/U: 162.5

If these odds were offered in real life, this game would shatter North Carolina sports betting records. And the on-court matchups are enough to make any basketball fan drool.

May (26 points) and Hansbrough (23) lead all scorers with Felton (six assists) and Ty Lawson (eight) setting the table for this star-studded affair, which sees the '05 team build an early lead before a flurry of outside shots from Lawson (19 points) and Wayne Ellington (15) propel the '09 squad to a late lead.

The game's real hero, though, is fan favorite Danny Green, who blocks McCants in the final seconds to send Roy Williams' second title team to the Elite Eight — and secure all-time bragging rights along the way. '09 North Carolina 87, '05 North Carolina 85.

West Region scores and betting recap

Elite Eight matchups

Midwest Regional Final

1982 North Carolina (2) vs. 1996 Kentucky (5)

• Point spread: North Carolina -1
• Moneyline: North Carolina -120, Kentucky +100
• Total O/U: 153.5

After watching Kentucky blitz its first three opponents defensively, Smith's Tar Heels control the tempo early to avoid costly turnovers and chase shooters off the line from the opening tip in an effort to funnel the action inside.

Sure enough, Walker (17 points), Delk (14 points), and senior forward Walter McCarty (13) all pick up the slack for the loaded Wildcats. None can keep pace with Worthy (29), who puts his stamp on this tournament with his best showing yet in a tense UNC win. North Carolina 78, Kentucky 73.

East Regional Final

2012 Kentucky (4) vs. 2011 UConn (15)

• Point spread: Kentucky -4.5
• Moneyline: Kentucky -185, UConn +165
• Total O/U: 137.5

The Huskies have clearly earned oddsmakers' respect heading into the Elite Eight, even as a No. 15 seed in this tournament. It's hard to fault that confidence, either, after three brilliant games from Walker to follow up his epic run in 2011.

That ends against Kentucky, which uses its length to disrupt UConn's guards and its size inside to exploit a frontcourt without a reliable center. Davis (19 points) and Terrence Jones (17) lead the way in a workmanlike win for the 'Cats. Kentucky 76, UConn 65.

South Regional Final

1973 UCLA (1) vs. 1955 San Francisco (3)

• Point spread: UCLA -4
• Moneyline: UCLA -170, San Francisco +150
• Total O/U: 129.5

Russell and Jones have already teamed up to vanquish one UCLA team. Why not take down another? The '73 team poses a stiffer test with Walton at the peak of his powers, though the Bruins don't enjoy their normal volume advantage with Russell (21 rebounds) gobbling up second-chance opportunities.

Once again, Jones (11 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals) proves to be the difference on both ends of the court for San Francisco, which survives a monster effort from Walton (32 points) to reach the Final Four. San Francisco 68, UCLA 64.

West Regional Final

1968 UCLA (1) vs. 2009 North Carolina (6)

• Point spread: UCLA -3
• Moneyline: UCLA -150, North Carolina +130
• Total O/U: 145.5

North Carolina already beat one Wooden-coached team in the Round of 32. But Hansbrough and Co. haven't faced anything like this UCLA squad.

Abdul-Jabbar, having survived a Sweet 16 duel with future teammate Magic Johnson, adds another 30-point effort to his endless resume. Even after Williams throws freshmen bigs Tyler Zeller (7-0) and Ed Davis (6-10) into the mix, the Tar Heels still can't rattle the 7-2 skyscraper, who adds six blocks on the other end to crush UNC's all-time title hopes. UCLA 74, North Carolina 68.

Elite Eight scores and betting recap

Final Four matchups

1968 UCLA (1) vs. 1982 North Carolina (2)

• Point spread: UCLA -2.5
• Moneyline: UCLA -140, North Carolina +120
• Total O/U: 149.5

This matchup has everything you would hope for in the Final Four: Hall of Fame players, legendary coaches, and two of the most clutch performers in the history of college basketball.

Smith extolled this UCLA team as "the greatest basketball team of all time" after it bludgeoned North Carolina by 23 points in the '68 final. The longtime UNC coach saw up close the dominance of Abdul-Jabbar — "the greatest player who ever played the game," per Smith — when he dropped 34 and 16 in the NCAA title game.

He goes off in this one, too, scoring a game-high 26 points with 13 boards and just three missed shots. But he eventually fouls out when Worthy, his future teammate with the Lakers, drives right into his chest to draw his fifth foul with 4:50 left and his team trailing by seven.

That sparks a late run for UNC, with Worthy (25 points), Jordan (19), and Perkins (16) scoring 17 of their team's final 20 points in a torrid second half. In the end, the math is decidedly in favor of the underdog Tar Heels, who knock down six of 10 attempts from deep and 18 of 22 from the charity stripe to slay the mighty Bruins. North Carolina 77, UCLA 72

1955 San Francisco (3) vs. 2012 Kentucky (4)

• Point spread: Kentucky -1.5
• Moneyline: Kentucky -130, San Francisco +110
• Total O/U: 134.5

Davis has wreaked havoc in this tournament as a matchup nightmare for teams across all eras. But Russell is the one pre-modern big in this field who can handle the Kentucky star.

Russell, perhaps the greatest defender of all time, swats the first shot of the game by Davis (17 points) and is seemingly everywhere for the Dons' defense — disrupting Davis' rhythm after a stellar two weeks for the eventual No. 1 pick. Jones puts the clamps on Lamb (13 points) and Teague (nine), too, forcing Calipari to look elsewhere across his talent-rich roster to generate open looks.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, that leads to a heavy diet of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (eight points), who clangs his first seven shots off the iron before making his first basket of the game. By that point, it's too late, as Russell (21) and senior Jerry Mullen (17) do just enough offensively to outlast Kentucky in a rock fight. San Francisco 66, Kentucky 58.

Final Four scores and betting recap

National championship

1982 North Carolina (2) vs. 1955 San Francisco (3)

• Point spread: North Carolina -1
• Moneyline: North Carolina -115, San Francisco -105
• Total O/U: 132.5

At last, we've reached the pinnacle: North Carolina vs. San Francisco in the ultimate matchup to decide the greatest winner of them all.

It seems only fitting that the Tournament of Champions would end with a showdown between Jordan and Russell, who combined for three NCAA titles and 17 NBA championships. While Russell earned 13 of those 20 trophies, Jordan delivered one of the most iconic shots in March Madness history as a freshman in the '82 final, an opening salvo to a career built on game-winners and dynasties.

For 35 minutes, it feels like this game might be decided by everyone else. Jones holds Jordan to just eight points in the first half, while Worthy finishes with 18 points and Perkins — who would go on to become one of the NBA's great marksmen — once again emerges as a key figure with 17 points, including a pair of second-half triples to help extend UNC's lead to six points with just under five minutes left.

That eventually puts Russell (27 points, 23 rebounds) in a bind; keep roving the paint with reckless abandon, or chase the Tar Heels' suddenly prolific 6-9 shooter off the line? He opts for the latter, freeing Worthy to abuse Mullen in the post with his teammates spreading the floor in this modern environment. Even Jimmy Black, the lone senior starter for that '82 team, pairs a tournament-best 15 points with eight assists for North Carolina.

Russell eventually responds with authority on the other end, drawing Perkins' fourth and fifth fouls in rapid succession to sideline the versatile big. He attacks fill-in forward Chris Brust on the next possession, scoring the bucket through contact and cutting the deficit to one at the charity stripe. Moments later, Jones (14 points, seven assists) picks the pocket of Black and slices through the lane to give San Francisco its first lead since the opening half with less than a minute to go.

That's when our ultimate hero takes over. As only he can, Jordan seizes the moment and scores eight points in the final 40 seconds, including a circus layup through traffic to take a one-point lead. Russell claps back with a resounding dunk over UNC's Matt Doherty, but Jordan gets the last laugh with a bullseye from 19 feet — and four subsequent free throws to ice it — to drive the dagger in the Dons and punctuate his team's all-time tournament run. North Carolina 73, San Francisco 68.

National championship score, betting recap

Tournament of Champions awards

All-Tournament teams

Most Outstanding Player

Michael Jordan, G, North Carolina

After putting together a sensational run in the 1982 NCAA Tournament, UNC's standout freshman adds to his burgeoning resume with 23 points in the all-time tournament final, including eight in the final 40 seconds to bury San Francisco for good. The 20-year-old guard also pitches in seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the finest game of his collegiate career to date.

For the entire tournament, the North Carolina guard averages 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 50% from the field to carry the Tar Heels through one of the toughest stretches imaginable. Even if Jordan eventually captures every conceivable honor en route to an unparalleled career, few (if any) add to his legacy quite like leading his team through the Tournament of Champions.

Tournament of Champions final bracket

 the Tournament of Champions final bracket.