NCAA Tournament 2017: Maye's shot, UNC's win lead 15 best moments

NCAA Tournament 2017: 15 best moments

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players hoist the national championship trophy after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) and Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) battle for a rebound during the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Steppig/NCAA Photos/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

12. Gonzaga fends off South Carolina’s rally

The Gamecocks nearly pulled off their third huge comeback of the tournament in the Final Four, but Gonzaga was able to keep its poise down the stretch thanks to freshman Zach Collins.

Gonzaga took control with a late first-half surge, capped by a Jordan Matthews three to go up 45-36 at the break. With Sindarius Thornwell struggling and the entire team looking fatigued, South Carolina appeared to be in big trouble against the terrific Bulldogs halfcourt defense.

The lead grew to as large as 14 midway through the second half with the Bulldogs playing ultra-efficient basketball on both ends of the floor. Out of nowhere, the Gamecocks scored 16 straight to take the lead with 7:00 to go on a pair of free throws by Rakym Felder.

Mark Few’s team didn’t panic, and was up again for good the next possession when Collins’ 3-point attempt went in on a strange bounce. Thornwell and PJ Dozier kept the Gamecocks close up until the final whistle, but Collins was too much with 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks off the bench to help seal the 77-73 victory.

While many teams would have folded after giving up such a huge run, Gonzaga quickly regained its composure for its first-ever Final Four victory.

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