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What’s the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history?

By Aryanna Prasad

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Mike Glover #1 of the Iona Gaels reacts from the bench late in the second half while taking on the Brigham Young Cougars in the first round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2012 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Mike Glover #1 of the Iona Gaels reacts from the bench late in the second half while taking on the Brigham Young Cougars in the first round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2012 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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As Baylor and UNC battle it out in a historic March Madness comeback, the game rivals the score in the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history.

Baylor almost pulled off the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history.

The UNC Tar Heels a constant force in NCAA Tournaments, but so are the Baylor Bears. When UNC got a sizable 25-point lead over Baylor with 10 minutes left in the game, making it seem like it was game over for the Bears. Miraculously, the Bears sprung back, matching UNC at the end of regulation with 80 points.

It’s easily one of the most thrilling comebacks during the madness that is March basketball, but it’s still not the biggest comeback to ever occur in an NCAA tournament. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the Baylor Bounceback ties with a 2012 game that had a successful 25-point comeback.

What’s the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history?

On March 13, 2012, the BYU Cougars faced the Iona Gaels in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament. With six minutes left in the first half, BYU only had 24 against Iona’s 49 points. By the end of the game, the score was 78-72 in favor of BYU.

A major factor in the comeback was forward Noah Hartsock, who scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half of the game. Cougars power forward Brandon Davies added 18 points and freshman guard Damarcus Harrison contributed 12 before moving to Clemson the following year.

The Cougars weren’t as fortunate in the next round, losing by 20 points in a 88-68 loss to the Marquette Golden Eagles. Marquette made it to the Sweet Sixteen round before losing to Florida, and a Kentucky team led by Anthony Davis was the eventual tournament champion.

Davis went on to have a professional basketball career, spending a short time with the NBA playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Now, he plays for Barcelona FC in Spain, but his BYU comeback still holds the record for the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history.

“The look in our players’ eyes at that time was, ‘Game on. We’ve got a chance here,'” BYU coach Dave Rose said at the time. “And we were able to finish it off.”

Baylor couldn’t seal the deal in overtime against UNC to tie BYU for the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament history as the defending national champions are out of March Madness.

Next. 30 best UNC basketball players in program history. dark

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