Brandon Paul Buzzer Beater Lifts Illinois Over Minnesota: Gus Johnson Goes Nuts (VIDEO)

What Makes March Madness Great

Nothing exemplifies the madness of March quite like buzzer beaters and the over-the-top calls of Gus Johnson. Thanks to a thrilling game in the Big Ten Tournament, hoops fans got a little bit of both with Selection Sunday still days away.

With Minnesota and Illinois tied at 49 with 14 seconds left of their first-round matchup, Gophers guard Austin Hollins turned the ball over. Instead of calling a timeout to set up a potential game-winning play, Illinois guard Brandon Paul played the role of the hero. The 6'4 senior dribbled to the left elbow as the seconds ticked down and then knocked down a fadeaway jumper in front of two Minnesota defenders as time expired.

Cue Gus ...

"Paul... will go for the winner. Paul... crosses over! 15-footerrrrrrr!... GOOOOOD! At the buzzer! And Illinois BEATS Minnesota 51-49... AT THE BUZZER. Welcome to the Big Ten."

With that game-winning bucket, Paul also assisted Johnson on the call that should have any last holdouts ready for all the basketball ahead.

To paraphrase Johnson, Welcome to March.

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