March Madness fans are well aware of the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the ultimate championship.
However, in a distant basketball universe, there existed a third-place match within the NCAA Tournament. It was akin to a bronze medal, a token of recognition for reaching the Final Four.
At what time did the third-place game commence? Furthermore, what was the reason for its conclusion?
Not many fans are aware of this, but it’s actually part of Big Dance lore. Moreover, the Virginia basketball program has contributed to the peculiar history of the consolation game.
Third-place game was part of March Madness until 1981
In 1939, the inaugural NCAA Tournament commenced, and after seven years, the tournament introduced its third-place game. However, it is notable that this was not the first instance of a third-place game in the tournament’s history. The West Region had already included a third-place game in its regional championship since the tournament’s inception in ’39.
In 1941, the East Region also embraced the trend of consolation games. During this time, it made perfect sense to have a third-place game in the regional finals. The NCAA Tournament was not as grand as it is today, consisting of only eight teams and two regions. Essentially, the tournament kicked off with what is now known as the Elite Eight.
By including a third-place game in the tournament, teams were granted an opportunity for redemption in a tournament that was already too brief with only three rounds. Additionally, fans were treated to the extra delight of watching two more games.
The effectiveness of that strategy became evident when the NCAA decided to introduce a third place game in 1946, just a few years later. Despite the tournament still consisting of only eight teams, the addition of two third-place games in the regional battles, as well as a third-place game for the semifinal losers, was implemented.
Ohio State secured the title of the first runner-up, emerging victorious with a resounding 63-45 triumph over California, thus earning a symbolic bronze medal.
What happened in 1981?
For a span of 34 years, the third-place game maintained its presence in the tournament. Despite being overshadowed by the Final Four and the championship, it clung to its importance akin to a Cinderella team desperately holding on against a much stronger opponent.
However, everything took a turn in 1981. On March 30, President Ronald Reagan miraculously survived an assassination attempt in Washington, DC. Coincidentally, this was also the day scheduled for the third place game and championship game to take place in the tournament.
The two games were left uncertain due to the distressing events of that day, causing a delay in their start times. However, as soon as news spread that the president was safe and had survived, the games proceeded as planned. The Virginia Cavaliers, led by Ralph Sampson, emerged victorious with a score of 78-74 against the ambitious LSU Tigers. In the later championship game, Isiah Thomas guided the Indiana Hoosiers to a 63-50 triumph over the North Carolina Tarheels.
There is no truth to claims that the third-place game was canceled that year due to the Reagan assassination attempt.
The NCAA’s decision to launch the women’s tournament the next year is the most plausible reason for this. Organizing two tournaments at the same time necessitated extensive planning. Given the multitude of events taking place, the NCAA possibly considered the third-place matchup as an unnecessary game.
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