It was on this day in 1984 when the NCAA announced that they would be adding an additional nine teams to the March Madness basketball tournament.

The previous team total for the tournament had been 53 teams, meaning five play-in games had to be played before the start of the tournament.  The increase to 64 teams meant that there would be no play-in game, and all 64 teams selected would be entered directly into the seven-round tournament bracket.

The 64-team structure was first implemented during the 1985 tournament, which was won by UCLA.  In 2001, the number of teams was increased to 65, with

a single play-in game.  Then, in 2011, it was decided that the number of teams in the tournament would be increased to 68, resulting in the need for four play-in games before the start of the tournament.

Needless to say, the constant increase in the number of games played during the NCAA Tournament has resulted in an increase in thrilling finishes each year.  Here is a look at some of the best buzzer-beaters in NCAA Tournament history.

Notable Birthdays

Jeff Francoeur, MLB – Born on January 8, 1984 (age 29) in Atlanta, Georgia

Jeff Francis, MLB -  Born on January 8, 1981 (age 32) in North Delta, British Columbia

David Silva, Soccer - Born on January 8, 1986 (age 27) in Arguineguín, Spain