Kris Jenkins sank a game-winner that is still unbelievable.
The best buzzer-beater in NCAA Tournament history also broke Micheal Jordan’s heart.
As the March Madness begins again, it’s hard to imagine anyone topping the game-winner that Jenkins hit in 2016.
It’s the greatest and biggest shot in the history of The Dance.
It also ended a back-and-forth game that featured 11 future NBA players, including a future NBA MVP candidate and three members of 2024-25 New York Knicks.
“I think every shot’s going in and this one was no different,” said Jenkins, after he drilled a last-second 3-pointer that gave Villanova a 77-74 victory over North Carolina at NRG Stadium in Houston.
NBA legend Michael Jordan watched from the stands with total heartbreak.
The Tar Heels’ Marcus Paige watched a double-clutch, game-tying 3 with six seconds to go suddenly be erased by the true definition of a buzzer beater.
Jenkins trailed the play, which started with 4.7 seconds left and the score tied at 74.
He caught a smooth set-up pass from Ryan Arcidiacono with 1.2 seconds on the clock, then drilled a 3 several feet behind the line.
Chaos ensued, with confetti falling from the stadium ceiling before the shot was official, and fans crying in the stands.
“One, two step, shoot `em up, sleep in the streets,” Jenkins said.
North Carolina had been supported in person by Jordan, who acknowledged that Jenkins had drained a “good shot.”
But what appeared to be another UNC national title ended with Jenkins’ painful game-winner.
“I’m not very good because I can’t take away the hurt,” Tar Heels coach Roy Williams said. “I told them I loved them. I told them I wish I could have helped them more.”
Villanova’s roster was loaded with future NBA players.
Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Bruson are now all members of the Knicks.
Brunson was a 2023-24 NBA MVP candidate, and is averaging 26.3 points this season for the Eastern Conference contender.
New York entered Tuesday with a 42-24 record, which is good enough for third place in the East.
While Jordan hit a famous shot of his own in 1982 to win the national championship for North Carolina, Jenkins’ 3 came down to the last second and stole a victory in a tense game that appeared set for overtime.
It was a true, undisputed game winner and the best buzzer beater in NCAA Tournament history.
“I heard someone screaming in the back of my head,” Arcidiacono said. “It was Kris. I just gave it to him and he let it go with confidence.
