The 2022 March Madness bracket produced one of the most dramatic NCAA tournaments in modern history, ending with Kansas defeating North Carolina 72–69 on April 4, 2022, to win the national championship. The tournament featured a record-setting Cinderella run, a historic rivalry clash in the Final Four, and the largest comeback ever in a title game.
As of March 2, 2026, fans across the United States still revisit the 2022 tournament for its unforgettable storylines and bracket-busting surprises. Here is a detailed, fully factual recap of the teams, results, and defining moments.
Tournament Overview
The 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament marked the 83rd edition of March Madness. It returned to its traditional multi-city format after the 2021 event was centralized in Indiana due to pandemic restrictions.
Key dates and details:
- Selection Sunday: March 13, 2022
- First Four: March 15–16, 2022
- First Round: March 17–18, 2022
- Final Four: April 2, 2022
- National Championship: April 4, 2022
- Championship Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
The field included 68 teams representing conferences from across the country.
No. 1 Seeds Entering the Tournament
The four No. 1 seeds in 2022 were:
- Gonzaga (West Region)
- Arizona (South Region)
- Kansas (Midwest Region)
- Baylor (East Region)
Gonzaga entered the tournament with a 26–3 record and high expectations after reaching the 2021 national title game. Arizona and Baylor also carried strong résumés. Kansas, the Midwest’s top seed, would ultimately outlast the field.
Early-Round Shockwaves
March Madness thrives on unpredictability, and 2022 delivered immediately.
Saint Peter’s Stuns Kentucky
On March 17, 2022, No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s defeated No. 2 seed Kentucky 85–79 in overtime. The Peacocks, representing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, shocked a powerhouse program.
Saint Peter’s did not stop there.
The team went on to defeat:
- No. 7 seed Murray State (70–60)
- No. 3 seed Purdue (67–64)
That run made Saint Peter’s the first No. 15 seed in tournament history to reach the Elite Eight.
Their remarkable journey ended with a loss to North Carolina in the East Regional Final.
Regional Champions
The 2022 tournament produced four regional champions:
- Midwest Region: Kansas
- East Region: North Carolina
- West Region: Duke
- South Region: Villanova
Each team navigated tough matchups to reach the Final Four in New Orleans.
North Carolina’s Surprising Run
North Carolina entered the tournament as a No. 8 seed.
The Tar Heels defeated:
- No. 9 seed Marquette
- No. 1 seed Baylor
- No. 4 seed UCLA
- No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s
Their victory over defending national champion Baylor in the second round stood out. That game went to overtime before North Carolina secured the win.
The Tar Heels’ run represented one of the strongest performances ever by a No. 8 seed.
Duke’s Final Chapter Under Coach K
Duke’s 2022 season carried enormous attention. Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski had announced the season would be his last.
The Blue Devils reached the Final Four after defeating:
- No. 7 seed Michigan State
- No. 3 seed Texas Tech
- No. 4 seed Arkansas
Their semifinal opponent was longtime rival North Carolina.
Historic Final Four Matchups
The Final Four took place on April 2, 2022, at the Caesars Superdome.
Kansas vs. Villanova
Kansas defeated Villanova 81–65.
The Jayhawks controlled the tempo and limited Villanova’s perimeter shooting. Kansas advanced to its first championship game since 2012.
North Carolina vs. Duke
North Carolina defeated Duke 81–77.
This game marked the first NCAA Tournament meeting between the two rivals. The stakes elevated the intensity of an already historic rivalry.
The loss ended Coach K’s legendary career.
National Championship: Kansas vs. North Carolina
The title game occurred on April 4, 2022.
North Carolina jumped out to a 40–25 halftime lead. The 15-point deficit matched the largest halftime lead ever surrendered in a national championship.
Kansas responded with defensive pressure and improved shooting in the second half.
Final Score:
Kansas 72, North Carolina 69
Kansas completed the largest comeback in NCAA championship history.
David McCormack delivered key baskets late in the game. Ochai Agbaji contributed crucial scoring and leadership.
Bill Self earned his second national title as head coach of the Jayhawks.
Complete Final Four and Title Results
Final Four – April 2, 2022
- Kansas 81, Villanova 65
- North Carolina 81, Duke 77
National Championship – April 4, 2022
- Kansas 72, North Carolina 69
Kansas finished the season with a 34–6 record.
Statistical Highlights
Several notable numbers defined the 2022 tournament:
- First No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight
- Largest championship comeback (15 points)
- First NCAA Tournament meeting between Duke and North Carolina
- Kansas’ fourth national championship (1952, 1988, 2008, 2022)
The tournament combined historic milestones with bracket chaos.
Other Standout Performances
Several lower-seeded teams exceeded expectations:
- No. 11 seed Michigan reached the Sweet 16.
- No. 10 seed Miami advanced to the Elite Eight.
- No. 5 seed Houston made the Elite Eight.
These deep runs disrupted countless fan brackets nationwide.
Millions of Americans filled out brackets in 2022. Saint Peter’s early upset eliminated a large percentage of entries in the first round.
Coaching Milestones
Bill Self’s Achievement
Kansas head coach Bill Self secured his second NCAA championship. His first came in 2008 when Kansas defeated Memphis in overtime.
The 2022 title strengthened his standing among elite college basketball coaches.
End of an Era for Coach K
Mike Krzyzewski retired after the Final Four loss.
His career achievements include:
- Five NCAA championships
- 13 Final Four appearances
- More than 1,200 career victories
His final season added another dramatic chapter to his legacy.
Regional Host Cities
The 2022 tournament spanned several cities:
- West Regional: San Francisco
- Midwest Regional: Chicago
- East Regional: Philadelphia
- South Regional: San Antonio
The Final Four’s return to New Orleans added to the event’s historic feel.
Why Fans Still Search for the 2022 March Madness Bracket
Four years later, interest remains strong.
Fans revisit the tournament for:
- The Saint Peter’s Cinderella run
- The Duke–North Carolina Final Four showdown
- Kansas’ comeback championship
- Emotional coaching storylines
The 2022 bracket produced drama at every stage, from opening tip to final buzzer.
It combined blue-blood programs with underdog magic in a way few tournaments achieve.
The 2022 NCAA Tournament delivered unforgettable games, emotional endings, and historic milestones that continue to define modern March Madness.
Which upset or moment from the 2022 tournament do you remember most? Share your thoughts and relive the excitement of that unforgettable bracket.