VIDEO: 2007 D-II College Basketball Championship Might Feature the Best Comeback Ever
By Sean Facey
March Madness may have gotten axed, but that doesn't mean fans can't enjoy some college hoops. There are plenty of games from years past that have unbelievable re-watch value. One of them is the 2007 Division II men's basketball title game between Barton an Winona State, which might actually feature one of the greatest comebacks of all time.
With under 50 seconds left to play, Barton trailed Winona by seven points. Though they managed to score a quick basket to cut the lead to five with around 40 seconds left, it still seemed like a forgone conclusion that Winona would pull out the win.
But a couple of missed free throws from Winona, a quick layup from Barton, and a lazy inbound pass led to Barton trailing by one point with just over 19 seconds to go.
And after another few possessions, against all odds, they found themselves with the last shot in their hands with the game tied 75-75. Barton's Anthony Atkinson drove to the basket with the clock winding down.
Time expires. 77-75, Barton.
It's one of the most improbable comebacks ever. That team was dead and buried, but Winona State couldn't drive home the dagger at the charity stripe, and their opponents capitalized.
It's a fitting reminder that even when things are looking grim, a little bit of hope and grit is all you need.