1959 NCAA University Division basketball tournament

The 1959 NCAA University Division basketball tournament involved 23 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States. The 21st annual edition of the tournament began on March 7, 1959, and ended with the championship game on March 21, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 27 games were played, including a third place game in each region and a national third place game. California, coached by Pete Newell, won the national title with a 71–70 victory in the final game over West Virginia, coached by Fred Schaus. Jerry West of West Virginia was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. == Locations == == Teams == == Bracket == === East region === === Mideast region === === Midwest region === === West region === === Final Four === === National Third Place Game === === Regional third place games === == See also == 1959 NCAA College Division basketball tournament 1959 National Invitation Tournament 1959 NAIA basketball tournament == Notes == Mississippi State qualified for the tournament but university president Benjamin F. Hilbun supported the social degradation of African-American citizens and would not permit the team to participate in the tournament where they would face African-American players. Five teams - Boston University, Bowling Green, Portland, Saint Joseph's, and Saint Mary's - made their tournament debut. This would be the most recent tournament appearance, as of 2024, for Dartmouth College. Their 65-year drought is the longest active drought in the NCAA among active Division I schools, and the second longest overall after Harvard's 66-year drought from 1946 to 2012. This was the last year an all-white starting lineup won the championship game. == References ==