VCU stuns North Carolina in an all-time NCAA Tournament comeback
The Rams rally from 19 down to take down the Tar Heels in OT.
VCU Rams guard Brandon Jennings (0) celebrates as the game ends Thursday, March 19, 2026, after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. VCU Rams won 82-78 in OT. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images March Madness has lived up to its name so far this year as the NCAA Tournament is already producing some all-time games.
First, we had the wildness in Dayton and Miami (OH). Then we have High Point knocking off the 5-seeded Wisconsin Badgers. We almost saw another 16-seed pull off the unthinkable before Duke held on to beat Siena.
However, the most excitement came tonight as the VCU Rams stormed back to knock off the North Carolina Tar Heels in overtime. Once down double-digits, the writing seemed to be on the wall as an injury-riddled Tar Heel team looked like it was going to survive. They did not, as the Rams hit the go-ahead step-back 3 with 15 seconds remaining in overtime and would hold on for what was an all-time comeback win.
VCU LEADS ‼️ #MarchMadness pic. twitter. com/GsJ0arWPNz — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026 It marked the largest comeback win in the history of the first round of the NCAA Tournament after the Rams trailed by 19 before rallying for the 82-78 victory.