The best games played in Milwaukee during the NCAA men’s tournament

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has served as a prime location for many thrilling moments in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament history. Over the years, the city has hosted some of the most memorable games in the tournament, featuring dramatic upsets, buzzer-beaters, and elite performances from some of the country’s top college players. With its iconic venues, passionate fan base, and rich basketball culture, Milwaukee has become an integral part of the NCAA Tournament narrative.

This article takes a look at some of the best and most exciting NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games played in Milwaukee. From historic upsets to clutch performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats, these games represent the very best of March Madness in Wisconsin’s largest city. Whether it’s a first-round shocker, a Final Four matchup, or an overtime thriller, Milwaukee’s role as a host city for the NCAA Tournament has been defined by unforgettable moments.

The 2003 NCAA Tournament: Marquette’s Magical Run

One of the earliest memorable NCAA Tournament moments in Milwaukee came in 2003 when Marquette University, the local darling, made a remarkable run to the Final Four. The team, led by coach Tom Crean and star guard Dwyane Wade, played in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Bradley Center. The Golden Eagles, a No. 3 seed in the tournament, used the city’s energy and its home-court advantage to propel themselves deep into the bracket.

In the second round of the 2003 tournament, Marquette faced Mississippi State, a team that many expected to challenge the Golden Eagles. The game was a hard-fought battle that saw Marquette ultimately prevail 74-62. The hometown crowd erupted as Wade put on a show, scoring 21 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and adding 5 assists in a dominant performance. His all-around play and leadership gave the Golden Eagles the edge in a game that was closer than the final score suggested.

But it was Marquette’s following game in the Sweet 16 against Kentucky, one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, that solidified this run as one of the best to ever take place in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles pulled off a thrilling 83-69 victory, with Wade contributing another monster performance, scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds. That win sent Marquette to the Final Four in New Orleans, where they ultimately lost to Kansas, but the 2003 tournament remains a high point in Milwaukee’s NCAA Tournament history.

The 2014 NCAA Tournament: The Underdog’s Triumph

The 2014 NCAA Tournament brought another unforgettable game to Milwaukee, and this time it was Dayton, a school known for its basketball program but often overshadowed by the bigger programs in the country. As a #11 seed, Dayton was the classic underdog, but they would go on to capture the hearts of fans with a thrilling victory in the First Four game, and later in the round of 64, they would shock a major power.

In the Round of 64, Dayton faced off against Ohio State, a No. 6 seed that many considered a lock for a deep run. What transpired on the court was one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Dayton’s Flyers defeated Ohio State 60-59 in a game filled with drama and back-and-forth action. The Flyers were led by standout players such as Jordan Sibert, who scored 16 points, and Devin Oliver, who grabbed 12 rebounds. Dayton had to withstand a last-second shot from Ohio State, but in the end, the Flyers managed to hang on to win.

What made this game especially thrilling was the emotional energy from the Dayton fanbase. Although the Flyers weren’t playing in their home state, their supporters were loud, passionate, and almost as fervent as any team’s fans could be. The victory allowed Dayton to advance to the Round of 32, where they continued their improbable run, eventually making it all the way to the Elite Eight before being eliminated by Florida.

The 2015 NCAA Tournament: Wisconsin vs. North Carolina

One of the most anticipated games in recent memory took place in 2015 when the Wisconsin Badgers, led by Bo Ryan, faced off against North Carolina in the Round of 32. The game took place at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Both teams were top contenders, and a high-octane battle was expected between two powerhouse programs. Wisconsin, seeded No. 1 in the East Region, had the advantage of being the hometown favorite, while North Carolina, led by coach Roy Williams, entered the game with a legendary pedigree.

The game did not disappoint. It was a back-and-forth affair that featured incredible performances from both sides. Wisconsin was led by Frank Kaminsky, who would go on to win National Player of the Year honors, and Sam Dekker, who was also a key contributor. North Carolina, on the other hand, had their own stars in Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson.

Kaminsky’s leadership was on full display, scoring 19 points and adding 5 rebounds, while Dekker’s clutch shooting helped push Wisconsin to victory. In the end, Wisconsin came away with a 79-72 win, surviving a valiant effort from the Tar Heels. The victory propelled Wisconsin to the Elite Eight, where they would later defeat Arizona to advance to the Final Four and eventually play for the national championship.

The 2019 NCAA Tournament: A Nail-Biting Finish Between Florida State and Murray State

The 2019 NCAA Tournament brought more excitement to Milwaukee with a Round of 32 showdown between Florida State and Murray State. The game was filled with high drama, as Ja Morant, the dynamic Murray State guard who would later become the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, showcased his immense talent on the national stage.

Murray State, a No. 12 seed, faced off against Florida State, a No. 4 seed. The Racers, led by Morant’s brilliant playmaking and scoring, fought hard throughout the game, but Florida State’s depth, athleticism, and defense were too much to overcome in the end. Florida State won 90-62, advancing to the Sweet 16 and sending Murray State home after a memorable run.

Morant finished the game with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, but Florida State’s Mfiondu Kabengele and Terance Mann were able to shut down the Racers’ offensive flow when it mattered most. The game was a showcase of individual talent, with Morant’s electric play contrasting against the collective team effort of Florida State.

The 2009 NCAA Tournament: The Classic First Round Game Between Arizona and Utah

In the 2009 NCAA Tournament, Arizona faced off against Utah in a First Round matchup that proved to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. Arizona entered the game as a 12-seed while Utah was a 5-seed, but the game quickly turned into a dramatic back-and-forth affair.

Led by players like Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger, Arizona was able to claw their way back from a deficit and pull off a thrilling 84-71 victory. The game featured a fast-paced tempo with plenty of scoring, and Arizona’s aggressive defense forced Utah to turn the ball over multiple times, which ultimately cost the Utes.

Arizona would go on to have a solid tournament run, but this First Round victory remains a fan-favorite memory in the history of NCAA basketball games played in Milwaukee.

The Legacy of NCAA Basketball in Milwaukee

Throughout the years, Milwaukee has become an important site for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and these games—along with countless others—have cemented the city’s reputation as a basketball hub. Whether it’s a hometown team like Marquette making a historic run or an underdog squad like Dayton shocking a powerhouse, Milwaukee has seen its fair share of March Madness excitement.

The BMO Harris Bradley Center, which hosted the majority of these iconic games, was a fitting venue for these matchups, with its intimate setting allowing fans to feel a part of the action. The new Fiserv Forum, home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, has also taken over as the city’s primary venue for NCAA Tournament games, ensuring that Milwaukee will continue to play an important role in future March Madness events.

As fans eagerly await the return of the NCAA Tournament to Milwaukee, it’s clear that the city has earned its place as a top destination for some of the best games in NCAA Men’s Basketball history. The future holds even more potential for memorable moments in the heart of the Midwest, where basketball and March Madness continue to captivate fans.