Beginning in 2009–10, the following rules changes were implemented: The top 25 from the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls, October 29, 2009.

Source for additional stats categories The NCAA Tournament tipped off on March 16, 2010, with the opening round game in Dayton, Ohio, and concluded on April 5 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The biggest saw Northern Iowa knock off #1 overall seed Kansas 69–67 on an Ali Farokhmanesh three-pointer in the waning seconds.

Duke made a big run in the NCAA tournament, defeating Arkansas Pine-Bluff (73–44), California (68–53), Purdue (70–57), and Baylor (78–72) in their region.

In the semifinals, the Blue Devils routed West Virginia 78–57 to make their 10th championship game appearance.

In the end, Duke defeated surprise finalist Butler 61–59, after a three-point attempt by the Bulldogs' Gordon Hayward barely missed at the buzzer.

Duke claimed its fourth National title as Blue Devil forward Kyle Singler was named Most Outstanding Player[73] A "major upset" is defined as a win by a team seeded 7 or more spots below its defeated opponent.