The 1965–66 NCAA University Division men's basketball season began in December 1965, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1966 NCAA University Division basketball tournament championship game on March 19, 1966, at Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland.
The Texas Western Miners won their first NCAA national championship with a 72–65 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats.
[5][6] A total of 49 college teams played as University Division independents.
[18] 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.