The 1960–61 NCAA University Division men's basketball season began in December 1960, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1961 NCAA University Division basketball tournament championship game on March 25, 1961, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Cincinnati Bearcats won their first NCAA national championship with a 70–65 victory in overtime over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
[5][6] A total of 46 college teams played as University Division independents.
[17] Saint Joseph's finished with a 4–0 record in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.
A number of teams changed coaches during the season and after it ended.