Exciting College Basketball Games Have Close Finishes and Overtime

Many college basketball games have been very close recently. Some games needed extra time, called overtime, to find a winner. Players made big shots at the end of games, making them exciting to watch.
By Newsroom | College Basketball, Sports |

The recent college basketball season has been marked by several nail-biting games that have captivated audiences. Multiple contests have gone into overtime, with some requiring multiple extra periods to determine a winner. These dramatic conclusions often hinge on last-second shots and significant comebacks, showcasing the sport's inherent unpredictability and the athletes' capacity for clutch performances. The intensity of these matchups, particularly in high-stakes rivalry games, has led to memorable moments and unexpected upsets.

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Intense Rivalry Games and Unexpected Outcomes

Several key games have defined the recent college basketball landscape, with North Carolina's victory over Duke standing out as a prime example of a dramatic upset. The Tar Heels, ranked No. 14, overcame a significant deficit to defeat No. 4 Duke 71-68 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. This was not the only contest to feature a last-second hero; UConn also secured a hard-fought overtime win against Providence.

Read More: North Carolina Basketball's Chances for NCAA Tournament

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Other notable games include:

  • No. 14 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Duke: A 71-68 win for North Carolina, featuring a comeback from a 13-point deficit and a game-winning shot by Seth Trimble as time expired.

  • No. 4 UConn vs. Providence: UConn rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half to force overtime and eventually win. Silas Demary Jr. was a key player with 23 points and 15 assists.

  • USC vs. Seton Hall: A double-overtime game where USC secured a win with a buzzer-beating shot.

  • Miami vs. Cavaliers: An overtime game that saw a 140-138 score, with a game-tying three-pointer followed by a game-winning alley-oop.

Overtime Battles and Strategic Play

The prevalence of overtime games underscores the competitive balance and strategic depth present in college basketball. These extended periods of play often test teams' endurance, mental fortitude, and coaching adjustments.

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  • North Carolina's Comeback: The Tar Heels demonstrated remarkable resilience against Duke, erasing a substantial halftime deficit. Despite trailing for most of the game, they consistently chipped away at Duke's lead. This performance highlights the potential for significant momentum shifts within a single game.

  • UConn's Resilience: UConn's victory against Providence showcased their ability to mount a comeback on the road. The team managed to overcome an 86-75 deficit late in the second half, demonstrating effective late-game execution and strong individual performances.

  • Triple-Overtime Thrillers: Games like the one between USC and Seton Hall, and another involving Syracuse and UConn (which reportedly went six overtimes in a past encounter), exemplify the grueling nature of contests that require multiple extra periods. Such games often feature standout individual scoring efforts and strategic gameplay extending well beyond regulation time.

Key Player Performances and Game-Defining Moments

The dramatic finishes have been propelled by exceptional individual performances. Players have stepped up in critical moments, delivering clutch shots and essential contributions.

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  • Seth Trimble (North Carolina): Scored the game-winning three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining against Duke. He finished with 16 points.

  • Silas Demary Jr. (UConn): Recorded a double-double with 23 points and 15 assists, alongside five steals, in UConn's overtime win.

  • Caleb Wilson (North Carolina): Led the Tar Heels with 23 points in their upset victory over Duke.

  • Lucas Lorenzen (Ohio State): Contributed 18 points in Ohio State's decisive win over Norfolk State.

The "dunk of the year" was also mentioned in relation to a UNC-Duke game, indicating spectacular athletic plays occurring amidst the tension.

Conclusion

The recent college basketball season has been a showcase of thrilling finishes, dramatic comebacks, and outstanding individual performances. The frequent emergence of overtime games and buzzer-beaters highlights the parity and excitement within the sport. The North Carolina upset over Duke serves as a salient example of how games can pivot on single plays, while contests involving UConn, USC, and Miami further underscore the theme of intense, hard-fought battles extending beyond the regulation clock. These events underscore the enduring appeal of college basketball as a platform for remarkable athletic feats and unpredictable outcomes.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes college basketball games exciting?
Many games have very close scores and end with exciting shots. Some games need overtime to decide who wins.
Q: Which teams had exciting games?
North Carolina beat Duke in a close game. UConn also won in overtime against Providence.
Q: Did any games go into multiple overtimes?
Yes, some games went into double or even triple overtime, meaning they played extra periods multiple times.