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Deep Dive: The Billion Dollar Game (2015)

Film Lens

The Billion Dollar Game
The film covers the pivotal moment in the 1989 NCAA men’s basketball tournament when the no. 16 seed Princeton faced off against the no. 1 seed Georgetown Hoyas. It details how larger conferences like the SEC and Big East questioned the inclusion of mid-major teams in the tournament, believing they were unlikely to compete effectively. The game on March 17, 1989, in Providence, Rhode Island, turned expectations upside down as Princeton, coached by Pete Carril, delivered a remarkable performance. This match not only showcased the talent of mid-major teams but also marked a significant shift in the perception of college basketball. The film argues that without this game, the NCAA tournament would not have evolved into the billion-dollar event it is today. It emphasizes the importance of this moment in shaping the future of college sports and the annual excitement surrounding March Madness.

Why Watch

  • •See Princeton's stunning upset over Georgetown
  • •Meet coach Pete Carril and his strategy
  • •Find out how mid-majors changed college basketball

Did You Know

•In 1989, Princeton was a no. 16 seed facing no. 1 seed Georgetown.
•The game took place on March 17, 1989, in Providence, Rhode Island.
•Pete Carril was the coach of the Princeton Tigers during this game.
•The NCAA tournament has grown into a billion-dollar enterprise.

Perfect For

College basketball fansSports history enthusiastsMarch Madness followers