With the Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball team preparing to take the court in the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, the program adds another chapter to the proud legacy of HBCU basketball on college hoops’ biggest stage.
Historically Black colleges and universities have long delivered unforgettable moments in the NCAA Tournament—proving time and again that programs outside the traditional power structure can compete, and win, in March Madness.
Here’s a look at some of the most defining moments in HBCU tournament history.
Texas Western’s Championship Changed College Basketball (1966)
One of the most important moments involving Black college basketball came during the 1966 NCAA Championship Game, when Texas Western Miners men’s basketball defeated the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball 72–65.
Texas Western made history by starting five Black players—Bobby Joe Hill, Orsten Artis, Willie Worsley, Harry Flournoy, and David Lattin—against an all-white Kentucky lineup coached by Adolph Rupp.
While Texas Western (now UTEP) is not an HBCU, the impact of this victory was monumental. It accelerated racial integration in college basketball and expanded opportunities for Black athletes—including those at HBCUs.
Alcorn State Breaks Through (1980)
The Alcorn State Braves men’s basketball made history in 1980, becoming the first HBCU to win an NCAA Tournament game.
Led by Larry Smith, the Braves defeated South Alabama Jaguars men’s basketball 70–62 in the first round. Smith delivered a dominant 18-point, 17-rebound performance, with strong support from Eddie and E.J. Baker.
Notably, Alcorn State also became the first HBCU to earn an at-large bid to the tournament—another milestone achievement.
Coppin State Shocks the World (1997)
In 1997, the Coppin State Eagles men’s basketball stunned the basketball world.
As a No. 15 seed, Coppin State upset the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball 78–65—marking the first NCAA Tournament win for a MEAC program.
At the time, it was just the third instance of a 15-seed defeating a 2-seed, and the first time an HBCU accomplished the feat.
Hampton Delivers an Iconic Moment (2001)
Few images in NCAA Tournament history are as iconic as Tarvis Williams lifting his coach in celebration.
The Hampton Pirates men’s basketball stunned the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball 58–57 as a 15-seed, overcoming a team led by future NBA guard Jamaal Tinsley.
It remains one of the defining visuals—and victories—of March Madness.
Norfolk State’s Bracket-Buster (2012)
In 2012, the Norfolk State Spartans men’s basketball delivered another unforgettable upset.
Behind a dominant performance from Kyle O’Quinn, Norfolk State knocked off the Missouri Tigers men’s basketball 86–84 as a 15-seed.
The Spartans controlled the glass and shot lights-out, cementing the win as one of the biggest bracket-busters in modern tournament history.
Tennessee State Looks to Make History
Now, the Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball will try to add their own chapter.
Set to face the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball, Tennessee State enters the tournament under first-year head coach Nolan Smith after capturing both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles.
If the Tigers can pull off the upset, they’ll join an exclusive fraternity of HBCU programs that didn’t just participate in March Madness—but changed it.
Because as history has shown, once the ball is tipped in March… anything is possible.
