1980 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship

The 1980 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship was the final tournament of the college basketball season in the United States, culminating in a national title game. It featured top college teams competing in a knockout format. The championship game was played on March 24, 1980, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Indiana University, led by coach Bob Knight and star player Isiah Thomas, defeated Michigan State 75-64 to win their first NCAA title. The victory signified Indiana’s emergence as a powerhouse, and the tournament highlighted intense competition and emerging basketball talent.