Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography, & More · Gary Arndt

March Madness: The History of the NCAA Basketball Tournament

March 22, 2026·16 min·1 clip

How did an undefeated North Carolina team beat Wilt Chamberlain's Kansas in triple overtime to win the 1957 championship?

This episode explores the history of March Madness, from its 1939 origins to modern expansions, highlighting key moments like UCLA's dynasty and Villanova's 1985 upset. It explains how the tournament works, including bracket odds and the rise of women's basketball.

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