The 2023 NCAA Tournament will be remembered for many things, but perhaps the most memorable moment of the entire tournament came in the Sweet 16 matchup between Gonzaga and TCU. The game ended in an all-time bad beat that left fans of both teams stunned.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start, with neither team able to build a significant lead. Gonzaga led by three points with just seconds remaining in the game, but TCU had possession of the ball and a chance to tie the game.
As TCU inbounded the ball and pushed it up the court, Gonzaga fans were holding their breath. The clock was winding down, and TCU’s last hope was a desperation heave from beyond halfcourt.
Then, out of nowhere, TCU’s Damion Baugh rose up and launched an incredible shot from just inside the halfcourt line. The shot looked good from the moment it left his hand, and it sailed towards the basket with a perfect arc.
For Gonzaga fans, the moment seemed to play out in slow motion. They watched helplessly as the ball sailed through the air, knowing that a made shot would send the game into overtime.
Then, with just milliseconds remaining on the clock, the ball bounced off the rim and fell harmlessly to the ground. Gonzaga had won the game, and their fans erupted in joyous celebration.
For TCU fans, however, the moment was pure agony. They had come so close to an epic upset, only to see their hopes dashed by the slimmest of margins.
In the aftermath of the game, fans of both teams took to social media to share their reactions. Many Gonzaga fans expressed relief and gratitude, while TCU fans were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, TCU had much to be proud of. They had gone toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country, and they had nearly pulled off a monumental upset in the process.
For Gonzaga, the win was a testament to their resilience and their ability to withstand pressure. They had emerged from a grueling battle with a tough opponent, and they had proven that they were true contenders for the national championship.
In the end, the 2023 NCAA Tournament will be remembered not only for its exciting games and thrilling finishes, but also for the unforgettable moment when Damion Baugh’s near-halfcourt buzzer-beater came up just short.
