Princeton became the 11th No. 15 seed to defeat a No. 2 seed when it shocked Arizona, 59-55, in the first round of the 2023 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
It marked the third year in a row a 15 downed a 2, as Saint Peter’s took down Kentucky in 2022 and Oral Roberts upset Ohio State in 2021. That marked the first time in NCAA tournament history a No. 15 beat a No. 2 in three consecutive tournaments — though it also did happen three times across two years thanks to two wins by No. 15 seeds in 2012 and another win in 2013.
History of 15 seeds vs. 2 seeds in March Madness
Eleven No. 15 seeds have upset No. 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament history. Following the 2025 tournament’s first round, 15 seeds had an 11-149 all-time record against 2s, a 6.88 win percentage.
Here are all of the times it’s ever happened.
| Year | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Princeton def. Arizona | 59-55 |
| 2022 | Saint Peter’s def. Kentucky | 85-79 |
| 2021 | Oral Roberts def. Ohio State | 75-72 |
| 2016 | Middle Tennessee def. Michigan State | 90-81 |
| 2013 | Florida Gulf Coast def. Georgetown | 78-68 |
| 2012 | Norfolk State def. Missouri | 86-84 |
| 2012 | Lehigh def. Duke | 75-70 |
| 2001 | Hampton def. Iowa State | 58-57 |
| 1997 | Coppin State def. South Carolina | 78-65 |
| 1993 | Santa Clara def. Arizona | 64-61 |
| 1991 | Richmond def. Syracuse | 73-69 |
A few more tidbits:
- Louisiana Monroe and Belmont own the most No. 15 seed appearances, as both the Warhawks and the Bruins have four berths at that slot since tournament expansion.
- 2012 is the only tournament where two No. 15 seeds won twice. On the same night (Friday), No. 15 Norfolk State topped Missouri and Lehigh stunned Duke.
- Four No. 15 seeds advanced to the Sweet 16, starting with Florida Gulf Coast in 2013. It also happened three consecutive years with Oral Roberts (2021), Saint Peter’s (2022) and Princeton (2023).
- One 15 seed reached the Elite Eight, as Saint Peter’s topped No. 2 Kentucky, No. 7 Murray State and No. 3 Purdue to reach the Elite Eight in 2022.
The most noteworthy times a 15 almost beat a 2
Winthrop vs. Tennessee, 2006
Winthrop, a 15 seed, nearly shocked No. 2 Tennessee in 2006. But then, Chris Lofton happened:
Lofton was only 5 of 14 for the game, but he hit the shot that mattered most.
Belmont vs. Duke, 2008
Belmont led Duke by one with two minutes to play, but the Blue Devils ultimately pulled out the win, 71-70. Gerald Henderson scored 21 points to lead Duke.
Robert Morris vs. Villanova, 2010
It took overtime for Villanova to defeat Robert Morris in 2010. The Wildcats prevailed by a score of 73-70:
Robert Morris led Villanova by six at halftime and held the Wildcats to 22 points in the opening 20 minutes. But Scottie Reynolds put ‘Nova on his back, scoring 20 in the game.
