25. The 1986 Duke Blue Devils were heavily favored to win the NCAA tournament, having only lost twice in the entire year. However, the Louisville Cardinals ended their dreams in the final game. Who was the loser?
From Quiz NCAA Tournament Losers #1
Answer:
Akron
#15 Akron's six point defeat at the hands of #2 Michigan led to their being declared 1986's loser. Michigan lost in the second round to #7 Iowa State, who lost to #6 NC State, who lost to #1 Kansas, who lost to #1 Duke, who lost to #2 Louisville. Had Duke won the tournament, the loser would have been Fairfield. Had Kansas lost in the championship, it would have been Richmond, and Pepperdine would have been the loser if LSU had lost in the final game.