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NCAA Tournament 2017: 15 best moments

By Nathaniel Reeves

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
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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Nigel Hayes
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Nigel Hayes shocks No. 1 overall seed Villanova

After a lack of upsets in the first two days of the NCAA Tournament, the Second Round began with the top overall seed going down in a thriller.

The Badgers shockingly received a No. 8 seed despite a 26-8 overall record entering the tournament, setting up an early matchup with Villanova that would have been better reserved for the second weekend. Wisconsin’s stifling defense was up to the task in the first half and took a 31-27 lead into the break.

Star Bronson Koenig picked up his fourth foul at the 13:31 mark with the game tied at 37, and Villanova was able to take advantage. The Wildcats finally found some flow on the offensive end and took their biggest lead at 57-51 with 5:31 to go on a 3-point shot by Donte DiVincenzo.

Greg Gard had no choice but to bring Koenig back in, and he tied the game two minutes later on a deep jumper. With the game tied again heading into the final 14 seconds, Hayes hit a game-winning layup, as Villanova committed a turnover the next possession.

This wasn’t as surprising as most No. 8 over No. 1 upsets due Wisconsin being so underseeded, but the top overall seed losing in the Second Round was still a defining moment of the 2017 tournament.

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