The greatest performances in Final Four history
The Final Four is finally upon us, and with it a number of highly talented players on some of this year’s greatest teams. As we eagerly await the games and look forward to superb performances that will decide the winners from the losers, let’s look at some of the greatest individual performances in this round from the sport’s storied history.
Here are the five greatest performances in Final Four history
5. Glen Rice, Michigan (1989)
Stat line: 28 points and five rebounds vs. Illinois
Glen Rice holds the record for the most points scored in an entire NCAA Tournament, pouring in 184 points in 1989. In one of his six outings that year, Rice led the Michigan Wolverines with 28 points in the national semifinal game against Illinois.
On this day in 1989, Michigan beat Seton Hall, behind 31 points from Glen Rice and clutch free throws by Rumeal Robinson, to win the national championship!#GoBlue | 〽️🏀 pic.twitter.com/DL2l2x4CCq
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) April 3, 2020
The game had 33 lead changes, with Michigan ultimately prevailing over the No. 1-seed Fighting Illini. Following the win, Michigan went on to win the championship 80-79 over Seton Hall. Rice was named to the All-Tournament team for his excellence.
4. Christian Laettner, Duke (1991)
Stat line: 28 points and seven rebounds vs. UNLV
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels had won an incredible 45 games in a row before facing Christian Laetner and the Duke Blue Devils in the 1991 Final Four. In that matchup, Laettner led the way with 28 points on just 14 shots.
One of my favorite games in the Duke uniform was the ‘91 semis against UNLV. Hear me relive the full game with @realgranthill33 and @GregAnthony50 on The Roku Channel with @turbotax and @PlayersTribune. pic.twitter.com/AF6hycLkod
— Christian Laettner (@laettnerbball) March 30, 2021
Laettner sank two free throws with 12 seconds left that ended up being the difference in a 79-77 victory. Duke would go on to defeat Kansas to win the national championship.
3. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2003)
Stat line: 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals vs. Texas
There was a short period of time back in 2003 when some believed that Carmelo Anthony would make for a better first overall draft choice than LeBron James. This sentiment originated after Carmelo Anthony flourished as a true freshman against the No. 1-seed Texas Longhorns in the Final Four.
On this date (3/30/2003): Carmelo Anthony had 20 pts & 10 rebs and Hakim Warrick added 13 pts & 9 rebs to send ‘Cuse to the Final Four with a 63-47 win over No. 1 seed Oklahoma in front of an Orange crowd in Albany. pic.twitter.com/SOvwkWAsqn
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 30, 2021
Anthony put up 33 points and 14 rebounds in that semifinal victory, and went on to win the national championships as underdogs against Kansas. Anthony was a true star that confidently flashed his scoring brilliance at this level’s grandest stage.
2. Magic Johnson, Michigan State (1979)
Stat line: 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists vs. Pennsylvania
Eventual Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson provided a taste of things to come with a triple-double for Michigan State in the 1979 Final Four. Johnson and MSU absolutely dominated Pennsylvania, as evidenced by the lopsided 50-17 score at halftime.
The Quakers made it all the way to the Final Four in 1979, where they faced a Michigan State team led by someone named Earvin “Magic” Johnson. https://t.co/JWfSNu3TTt @pennathletics pic.twitter.com/0Q21NeabCX
— Penn (@Penn) April 2, 2018
Johnson would go on to defeat Larry Bird and Indiana State in the final, further foreshadowing the fantastic rivalry the two great players would go on to have throughout their careers.
1. Danny Manning. Kansas (1988)
Stat line: 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks vs. Duke
Danny Manning took on the heavily favored Duke Blue Devils in the Final Four, where he put up 25 points and 10 rebounds in an astonishing victory that propelled the Jayhawks to the NCAA National Championship Game. Once there, Manning and Co. defeated Oklahoma to win the title.
Danny Manning dropped 56 points for @KUHoops on his way to Most Outstanding Player honors at the '88 Final Four. #tbt pic.twitter.com/it1QVrIX3N
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) July 10, 2014
In addition to his impressive offensive stats, Manning also added four steals and six blocks, thereby showcasing his skill as an impactful two-way player and deserving top pick for this list.
ADVERTISEMENT