The greatest game ever played. The two teams were seeded number 1 and 2 in the East Region. Christian Laettner’s shot at the buzzer, in overtime, broke the heart of many Kentucky fans, including mine, as Duke won 104-103. It was simply the most intense game I have ever watched. The game was also Cawood Ledford’s last as UK’s play-by-play man. I watched this game from the Executive West Hotel in Louisville while attending the state basketball tournament.
No. 2 Kentucky vs. LSU - 1994
The Mardi Gras Miracle. Kentucky came back from 31 points down with 15:34 to go in the 2nd half to win 99-95. I saw it but I still don’t believe it. Which is more incredible? Kentucky coming back from 31 down or LSU getting a 31-point lead in the first place.
No. 3 UCLA vs Houston – January 20th, 1968
I will never forget UCLA playing Houston in the Astrodome in front of 52,693 fans. That was the first regular season nationally televised game ever. UCLA was led by their star Lew Alcindor and Houston by Elvin Hayes. UCLA had won 47 straight games and Houston had won 48 straight home games. They were ranked numbers 1 and 2 respectively in the nation. Houston won the game 71-69 with Hayes scoring 39 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
No. 4 UCLA vs. Notre Dame – January 19th, 1974
It was UCLA vs. Notre Dame at South Bend. The Bruins were riding an 88 game winning streak They, UCLA, had the game in hand leading 70-59 with three minutes remaining. Notre Dame went on an unbelievable 12-0 run to win 71-70. UCLA’s 88 game streak remains the longest winning streak in college basketball history.
Any game with Pete Maravich in it while he was at LSU.
Maravich was a true phonon while in college. He could do things offensively that would just captivate you. I remember him scoring 69 points one day on the game of the week.
While speaking of special memories, I can’t help but mention Joe Dean and his trademark string music saying. That phrase was repeated over and over on outdoor courts in Cadiz when someone would swish a shot.
To read the conclusion of this column, pick up the latest issue of The Cadiz Record.
