What Is 1976 ACC men's basketball tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1976 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament was held from March 4–6, 1976, at Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. North Carolina defeated Maryland 108–105 in triple overtime to win the title, marking their 13th ACC tournament championship.

Key Facts

The tournament took place from March 4–6, 1976, at Greensboro Coliseum.
North Carolina won the championship by defeating Maryland 108–105 in triple overtime.
This was North Carolina's 13th ACC tournament title.
Phil Ford of North Carolina was named Tournament MVP.
The game set a record for the longest ACC tournament final in history at the time.

Overview

The 1976 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament was a pivotal event in college basketball history, held from March 4 to 6 at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. It featured the top eight teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference competing in a single-elimination format to determine the conference champion.

This tournament is best remembered for its dramatic final between the University of North Carolina and the University of Maryland. The championship game went into triple overtime, becoming one of the most intense and memorable finishes in ACC history.

March 4–6, 1976: The tournament spanned four days, beginning with first-round matchups and culminating in the championship on March 6.
Greensboro Coliseum: The venue, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, hosted the event for the seventh consecutive year, establishing itself as a key site for ACC basketball.
Eight-team bracket: Teams were seeded based on regular-season conference records, with the top four earning byes into the quarterfinals.
North Carolina’s 108–105 win: The final game lasted 50 minutes due to triple overtime, setting a record for the longest championship game in ACC tournament history at the time.
Phil Ford’s MVP performance: The North Carolina guard scored 26 points and delivered crucial assists, earning Tournament MVP honors and cementing his legacy.

Championship Game Highlights

The final matchup between North Carolina and Maryland is widely regarded as one of the greatest games in ACC history. It showcased elite-level defense, endurance, and clutch performances under pressure.

First overtime: The game remained tied at 87 after regulation, and both teams scored 7 points in the first extra period, forcing a second overtime.
Second overtime: Maryland’s Tom McMillen scored 8 points in the second overtime, but North Carolina answered with key baskets to extend the game.
Triple overtime: The final period began with both teams fatigued; North Carolina pulled ahead with free throws in the last 90 seconds.
Final score: North Carolina won 108–105, marking the highest-scoring championship game in ACC tournament history up to that point.
Attendance: A crowd of 21,500 packed Greensboro Coliseum, setting a tournament attendance record for a single game.
NCAA implications: The win secured North Carolina an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, where they advanced to the Final Four.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1976 ACC Tournament compared to other editions in the 1970s:

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Final Score	Overtime
1973	NC State	Maryland	100–94	Yes (1 OT)
1974	NC State	Duke	76–74	No
1975	North Carolina	Duke	92–85	No
1976	North Carolina	Maryland	108–105	Yes (3 OT)
1977	North Carolina	Duke	94–85	No

The 1976 tournament stands out due to the triple-overtime final, which remains one of the longest games in ACC history. While other years featured strong performances, the 1976 game’s endurance, scoring, and national attention made it a benchmark for future tournaments. It also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the ACC during the mid-1970s, as teams consistently pushed games to the brink.

Why It Matters

The 1976 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament had lasting significance for college basketball, both regionally and nationally. It elevated the profile of the ACC and demonstrated the conference’s depth and competitive spirit.

Legacy of Phil Ford: His MVP performance boosted his national reputation, leading to a successful NBA career and eventual induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Triple-overtime record: The game’s length set a new standard for endurance and drama, influencing how future tournaments were broadcast and promoted.
ACC prestige: The high-scoring, high-stakes game reinforced the ACC’s status as a premier basketball conference in NCAA history.
Television exposure: The game was nationally televised, increasing viewership and helping popularize college basketball in the pre-NBA Draft era.
Influence on future formats: The close games in the 1970s led the ACC to refine seeding and scheduling to ensure competitive balance.
Historical benchmark: The 1976 final is still referenced in ACC media guides and anniversary retrospectives as one of the greatest games ever played.

Ultimately, the 1976 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament was more than just a conference championship—it was a defining moment that showcased the intensity and tradition of college basketball at its finest.