When fans think of college basketball upsets, their minds immediately go to March Madness. The NCAA Tournament is famous for Cinderella runs and buzzer-beaters. But what often gets overlooked are the shocking regular season and conference tournament upsets that have shaped NCAA basketball history just as much. These moments remind us why college hoops is so unpredictable—and why any given night can deliver the unexpected.

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Chaminade Over Virginia (1982)

Considered the biggest upset in college basketball history, tiny Chaminade University of Honolulu, an NAIA school at the time, stunned the No. 1 ranked Virginia Cavaliers led by 7’4” Ralph Sampson. Chaminade’s 77–72 win wasn’t in the NCAA Tournament—it was a December exhibition game that shocked the basketball world.

Why it matters: It proved that no team is invincible, setting the stage for the Cinderella stories we celebrate today.

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Santa Clara Over Arizona (1993 NCAA First Round, but the Build-Up Counts)

While remembered as a tournament game, this upset had roots in the regular season. Arizona, a powerhouse under Lute Olson, was upset by Santa Clara—a team led by a young Steve Nash. It’s often overlooked that Santa Clara had been pulling off regular season shockers in the WCC leading up to that moment, proving they had upset DNA.

Why it matters: It showcased how mid-majors could consistently challenge the blue bloods, not just in March.

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Evansville Over Kentucky (2019)

In November 2019, unranked Evansville, a 25-point underdog, walked into Rupp Arena and shocked No. 1 Kentucky 67–64. It was Kentucky’s first home loss to an unranked non-conference opponent in nearly two decades.

Why it matters: It’s one of the most recent examples of how regular season college basketball is just as wild as March.

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Gardner-Webb Over Kentucky (2007)

Yes, Kentucky again. In 2007, the Wildcats were stunned at home by Gardner-Webb, who led from start to finish in an 84–68 rout. It marked one of the biggest non-conference upsets in early season tournament history.

Why it matters: Proved how vulnerable blue blood programs can be during early-season matchups.

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Appalachian State Over Michigan (2007 Football Vibes, But Basketball Too)

Most know Appalachian State for its 2007 football upset of Michigan, but the school’s basketball team has had its own surprise wins, including shocking ranked opponents in the Southern Conference and beyond.

Why it matters: Their consistency across sports highlights how underdogs can build a lasting culture of shocking the giants.

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Other Notable Regular Season Shockers

• Stephen F. Austin over Duke (2019): An unranked mid-major stunning Coach K’s team at Cameron Indoor.

• George Mason over Maryland (2004): A precursor to their 2006 Final Four run.

• Northwestern State over Iowa (2006): Early hints of mid-major firepower.

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Why These Upsets Matter

While March Madness gets the glory, these regular season and conference upsets show the depth and unpredictability of college basketball. They build the legends of mid-major programs, create unforgettable memories for fans, and remind us why the sport is so special.

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