Legendary college hoops announcer Dick Vitale was so honored by a long, standing ovation he received while calling the Baylor vs. Villanova game on Sunday ... he broke down in tears, and video from the scene is incredibly emotional.
Dickie V -- who's currently going through chemo treatments for cancer -- has been calling games while fighting the disease ... and Baylor fans showed just how much they appreciate the ESPN personality by giving him a round of applause.
Vitale was clearly moved by the gesture ... he began crying and waving to the fans as they clapped and cheered for him.