WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.506 --> 00:00:26.876 align:middle [ Feedback ] 00:00:27.376 --> 00:00:32.236 align:middle [Male Narrator:] There were 75 seasons of college basketball at Indiana University prior 00:00:32.236 --> 00:00:37.826 align:middle to the 1975-76 campaign, many of them producing Big Ten championships. 00:00:38.176 --> 00:00:41.846 align:middle Two seasons that ended in national titles and a constant stream 00:00:41.966 --> 00:00:44.006 align:middle of all Big Ten and All-American performers. 00:00:44.376 --> 00:00:50.786 align:middle But the 1975-76 season produced perhaps the most unforgettable and exciting IU team 00:00:50.786 --> 00:00:53.296 align:middle in history, a team that wouldn't be beat. 00:00:53.296 --> 00:00:59.946 align:middle The year began with an exhibition game against the Soviet Union national team 00:01:00.226 --> 00:01:03.686 align:middle and quite naturally the pressures were real enough, if for no other reason 00:01:03.686 --> 00:01:05.956 align:middle than from a prestige and political standpoint. 00:01:06.626 --> 00:01:08.336 align:middle To top it off, the game was played 00:01:08.336 --> 00:01:13.876 align:middle in Indianapolis' Market Square Arena before a record crowd of almost 18,000 fans. 00:01:14.386 --> 00:01:17.976 align:middle Before the tip off, the usual diplomacy was displayed with coaches 00:01:17.976 --> 00:01:20.216 align:middle and players exchanging greetings and gifts. 00:01:20.356 --> 00:01:22.306 align:middle But once they lined up for the opening tip, 00:01:22.656 --> 00:01:25.536 align:middle the Russians found Hoosier basketball less than hospitable. 00:01:26.486 --> 00:01:29.896 align:middle The Soviet team was made up for the most part of the same players 00:01:29.896 --> 00:01:32.616 align:middle who had won the Olympic gold medal in 1972. 00:01:33.306 --> 00:01:35.976 align:middle They would be trying to do the same again in 76 at Montreal. 00:01:36.016 --> 00:01:36.083 align:middle [ Music ] 00:01:36.083 --> 00:01:36.150 align:middle [ Clapping ] 00:01:36.150 --> 00:01:44.766 align:middle The game was played under international rules and as it progressed, 00:01:44.796 --> 00:01:49.226 align:middle the Russians found a more physical style of play they thought to be to their advantage, 00:01:49.226 --> 00:01:52.516 align:middle a Hoosier plus and at halftime, the Soviet squad appeared 00:01:52.516 --> 00:01:54.326 align:middle to be just a little bit dazed by it all. 00:01:54.946 --> 00:01:58.976 align:middle The score at the midway point was Indiana 48, USSR 42. 00:01:59.096 --> 00:02:04.866 align:middle Coach Knight emptied his bench for much of the second half 00:02:04.866 --> 00:02:10.646 align:middle but Scott May still garnered 34 points and IU routed the Russians, 94 to 78. 00:02:11.516 --> 00:02:13.531 align:middle [ Music ] 00:02:14.031 --> 00:02:16.046 align:middle [ Clapping ] 00:02:16.546 --> 00:02:20.236 align:middle Having disposed of the reigning world champions, the Hoosiers turned their attention 00:02:20.236 --> 00:02:25.436 align:middle to the official season opener with the UCLA Bruins, the defending NCAA champs. 00:02:25.616 --> 00:02:29.856 align:middle It was a dramatic way to open a new college campaign with the veteran Bruins 00:02:29.856 --> 00:02:34.346 align:middle under their new head coach, Gene Bartow, after the legendary John Wooden's retirement. 00:02:34.686 --> 00:02:37.366 align:middle And Hoosier fans still remembering the year before 00:02:37.546 --> 00:02:41.786 align:middle and what might have been had Scott May had not broken his arm. 00:02:41.786 --> 00:02:46.956 align:middle The preseason rankings had Indiana listed number one and this night, a national TV audience 00:02:46.956 --> 00:02:49.736 align:middle and nearly 20,000 eyewitnesses saw why. 00:02:50.586 --> 00:02:54.996 align:middle At times they look like a team in midseason form as they tore the Bruins apart. 00:02:55.086 --> 00:03:00.976 align:middle The Hoosier defense was superb and the offense led by May and Benson had UCLA dizzy. 00:03:01.516 --> 00:03:26.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:03:27.046 --> 00:03:32.996 align:middle The Bruin mystique seemed shattered as the final score read IU 84, UCLA 64. 00:03:33.966 --> 00:03:38.676 align:middle The Hoosiers kept their momentum up as the ravaged the Seminoles from Florida State 83 00:03:38.676 --> 00:03:43.276 align:middle to 59 and Digger Phelps' Fighting Irish for the close win, 63 to 60. 00:03:43.896 --> 00:03:45.626 align:middle On the road at Louisville's Freedom Hall, 00:03:45.716 --> 00:03:49.986 align:middle the Hoosiers faced their second biggest archrival, the Kentucky Wildcats. 00:03:50.466 --> 00:03:54.736 align:middle To basketball fans from both states, this classic struggle has always proved 00:03:54.736 --> 00:03:57.966 align:middle to be a battle for both teams and this game was to be no exception. 00:03:59.366 --> 00:04:04.936 align:middle IU would survive and inspired performance by Kentucky to win in overtime 77 to 68. 00:04:05.516 --> 00:04:17.291 align:middle [ Music ] 00:04:17.791 --> 00:04:29.566 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:04:30.066 --> 00:04:33.576 align:middle The play that sent the game into the extra period was this incredible tip 00:04:33.626 --> 00:04:34.696 align:middle in by Kent Benson. 00:04:35.516 --> 00:04:40.956 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:04:41.456 --> 00:04:45.546 align:middle Indiana was now 4 and 0 and home for the second annual Indiana classic tournament. 00:04:46.276 --> 00:04:51.096 align:middle IU simply outclassed and outmanned Georgia's Bulldogs, 93 to 56 in the first game 00:04:51.096 --> 00:04:55.076 align:middle of the tourney while Virginia Tech knocked off highly touted Oregon the same night. 00:04:55.076 --> 00:04:58.446 align:middle So it appeared Bob Knight's former teammate at Ohio State, 00:04:58.596 --> 00:05:01.426 align:middle Don DeVoe had his team primed for an upset attempt. 00:05:01.426 --> 00:05:05.226 align:middle But the Hoosiers were more than ready and when the smoke had cleared, 00:05:05.526 --> 00:05:08.866 align:middle Indiana had bombarded the Gobblers 101 to 74. 00:05:08.866 --> 00:05:14.586 align:middle Champions of their own tournament for the second straight year, Bob Knight led his Hoosiers 00:05:14.586 --> 00:05:19.336 align:middle to the Big Apple, New York City and Madison Square Garden where they crushed Columbia 00:05:19.396 --> 00:05:24.256 align:middle and Manhattan and then held off an excellent St. John's team before the largest crowd ever 00:05:24.256 --> 00:05:26.536 align:middle to witness a collegiate game in the Garden Festival. 00:05:26.696 --> 00:05:31.816 align:middle As the Hoosiers embarked in their Big Ten schedule, Ohio State almost pulled the upset 00:05:31.816 --> 00:05:34.586 align:middle of the year allowing IU only a two-point win. 00:05:35.236 --> 00:05:40.076 align:middle But their confidence grew with each successive game as they knocked off Northwestern, Michigan, 00:05:40.226 --> 00:05:44.016 align:middle Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota, and Iowa. 00:05:44.756 --> 00:05:50.076 align:middle With 17 wins behind them, IU rolled over Wisconsin with its largest offensive output 00:05:50.076 --> 00:05:54.276 align:middle of the season of 114 to 61 trouncing that set the stage 00:05:54.276 --> 00:05:56.836 align:middle for the rematch of the season with Michigan. 00:05:57.776 --> 00:06:01.296 align:middle The Wolverines came into the game knowing that they had to have a win 00:06:01.296 --> 00:06:02.916 align:middle to keep the conference race alive. 00:06:03.506 --> 00:06:08.246 align:middle Johnny Orr's club had lost twice in Bit Ten play including the loss to Indiana at Ann Arbor. 00:06:09.076 --> 00:06:12.136 align:middle The fired up Wolverines never allowed IU to get on track 00:06:12.246 --> 00:06:15.136 align:middle with the Hoosiers hitting only four of their first 20 shots. 00:06:15.716 --> 00:06:18.556 align:middle Michigan upped their lead to 10 points at the half going 00:06:18.556 --> 00:06:21.186 align:middle to the locker room with a 39 to 29 advantage. 00:06:22.136 --> 00:06:26.766 align:middle Indiana's second half comeback was ignited by Kent Benson who scored four baskets 00:06:26.766 --> 00:06:29.976 align:middle in a nine-minute stretch that cut Michigan's lead to six points. 00:06:30.516 --> 00:06:37.581 align:middle [ Music ] 00:06:38.081 --> 00:06:45.146 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:06:45.646 --> 00:06:49.636 align:middle But even though Benson would finish the day with 21 points and 15 rebounds, 00:06:49.896 --> 00:06:53.406 align:middle it was sophomore guard Wayne Radford who keyed IU's late surge. 00:06:54.126 --> 00:06:56.606 align:middle Radford hit six of seven shots from the field, 00:06:56.906 --> 00:07:00.056 align:middle four for four from the line, and grabbed five rebounds. 00:07:01.626 --> 00:07:04.976 align:middle Radford's play, typified the bench strength IU had shown all year. 00:07:05.516 --> 00:07:10.966 align:middle [ Music ] 00:07:11.466 --> 00:07:14.246 align:middle [Male Speaker:] Jimmy Crews will make the inbound play. 00:07:14.246 --> 00:07:15.766 align:middle Crews [inaudible] way of Radford, back to Buckner. 00:07:15.766 --> 00:07:17.386 align:middle Down to seven seconds. 00:07:17.386 --> 00:07:30.066 align:middle On to Scott May, baseline, back out to Quinn, jump shot in the air, doesn't fall. 00:07:30.096 --> 00:07:30.666 align:middle Crews tips it up [inaudible], good! 00:07:30.696 --> 00:07:30.996 align:middle It went in. 00:07:31.026 --> 00:07:32.976 align:middle Crews has tipped the ball in [inaudible] and Indiana's tied it and are going to overtime. 00:07:33.036 --> 00:07:35.036 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:07:35.056 --> 00:07:37.796 align:middle In the overtime, Michigan quickly jumped to a four-point lead. 00:07:38.276 --> 00:07:41.166 align:middle But IU grimly fought back, scratching and clawing their way 00:07:41.166 --> 00:07:44.996 align:middle until Scott May ripped home a jump shot with less than a minute and a half left. 00:07:45.616 --> 00:07:47.896 align:middle For the first time of the game, Indiana led. 00:07:48.356 --> 00:07:52.796 align:middle From that point on, Kent Benson led the Hoosier defense and stopped everything Michigan 00:07:52.796 --> 00:07:57.506 align:middle to the basket and the team that just wouldn't be beat took a commanding three-game lead 00:07:57.506 --> 00:07:58.976 align:middle into the final eight games of the regular season. 00:07:59.516 --> 00:08:03.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:08:04.046 --> 00:08:08.226 align:middle When Michigan State and Illinois both fell for the second time, it brought the Hoosiers 00:08:08.226 --> 00:08:12.366 align:middle into West Lafayette and season's second match up with archrival Purdue. 00:08:13.276 --> 00:08:14.536 align:middle It wasn't a good beginning. 00:08:15.036 --> 00:08:18.826 align:middle After an early 10 to four spurt, Hoosier's shooting turned stone cold 00:08:19.206 --> 00:08:21.996 align:middle and suddenly Purdue led 27 to 16. 00:08:22.796 --> 00:08:26.706 align:middle To compound Hoosier problems, May and Buckner were on the bench with fouls 00:08:26.926 --> 00:08:28.626 align:middle and Abernethy was there with an injury. 00:08:29.176 --> 00:08:33.536 align:middle But that unmistakable IU quality, bench strength, again came into play. 00:08:34.266 --> 00:08:37.196 align:middle Rich Valavicius and Wayne Radford performed admirably 00:08:37.416 --> 00:08:40.306 align:middle but the real sparks were Bobby Wilkerson and Jimmy Wisman. 00:08:41.166 --> 00:08:44.506 align:middle After receiving encouragement from Coach Knight, the pair went to work. 00:08:44.976 --> 00:08:49.946 align:middle Wilkerson not only scored 10 points and recorded seven assists, many of these coming on passes 00:08:49.986 --> 00:08:52.436 align:middle to Benson but excelled on defense. 00:08:52.736 --> 00:08:56.246 align:middle His thievery and shot blocking set up two IU scores 00:08:56.466 --> 00:08:59.406 align:middle and totally frustrated Boilermaker offensive efforts. 00:09:00.086 --> 00:09:04.336 align:middle Although Wisman saw only first half action, he put in a productive 10 minutes. 00:09:04.656 --> 00:09:09.406 align:middle He scored four points, passed out two assists, and kept the offense running smoothly. 00:09:10.376 --> 00:09:16.156 align:middle With Wilkerson and Wisman leading the charge, IU cut the Purdue halftime lead to 39-35. 00:09:16.876 --> 00:09:18.116 align:middle That was the turning point. 00:09:18.786 --> 00:09:23.406 align:middle May took command on the second half, his jumper giving IU a 43 to 41 lead. 00:09:24.056 --> 00:09:28.266 align:middle And this lay-up on a feed from Wilkerson, increasing the margin to 10 points. 00:09:28.856 --> 00:09:34.236 align:middle It was May's 18 second half points and a 21 to two point edge by Hoosier reserves 00:09:34.276 --> 00:09:37.526 align:middle that paved the way for the hard fought 74-71 [inaudible]. 00:09:39.286 --> 00:09:44.236 align:middle Wins over Minnesota and Iowa followed the Purdue victory as Indiana headed north for a game 00:09:44.236 --> 00:09:45.876 align:middle with special significance at Wisconsin. 00:09:46.112 --> 00:09:48.113 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:09:48.209 --> 00:09:50.210 align:middle [ Music ] 00:09:50.306 --> 00:09:53.106 align:middle The Hoosiers arrived in Madison knowing full well 00:09:53.146 --> 00:09:56.746 align:middle that a victory would give them their fourth consecutive Big Ten championship, 00:09:57.196 --> 00:10:01.896 align:middle a feat exceeded only twice during the 71-year existence of the distinguished conference. 00:10:02.516 --> 00:10:15.281 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:10:15.781 --> 00:10:28.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:10:29.046 --> 00:10:33.106 align:middle On the bench for that clash was one proven fan of the Hoosiers, John Laskowski, 00:10:33.406 --> 00:10:36.376 align:middle the super sub who started three previous IU teams 00:10:36.996 --> 00:10:41.476 align:middle and what a show Las was treated to, a 96 to 67 victory. 00:10:41.576 --> 00:10:47.266 align:middle And fittingly, it was the IU seniors who excelled during the 96 to 67 run. 00:10:47.956 --> 00:10:51.276 align:middle Jimmy Crews, Bobby Wilkerson, Tom Abernethy, Quinn Buckner, 00:10:51.276 --> 00:10:56.416 align:middle and Scott May who combined his All-American talents for 41 points and 18 rebounds. 00:10:56.756 --> 00:11:03.766 align:middle As the Hoosiers eased past Northwestern, it brought them back home for the season's finale. 00:11:04.516 --> 00:11:09.276 align:middle Hoosier basketball over the past five years has made Assembly Hall the in place to be. 00:11:09.776 --> 00:11:14.336 align:middle During that span, over 900,000 fans have witnessed IU teams in action. 00:11:14.506 --> 00:11:21.986 align:middle And in 1976, Indiana's average crowd of 16,892 was the best in the nation. 00:11:23.256 --> 00:11:26.816 align:middle Assembly Hall was definitely the place to be as Indiana closed 00:11:26.816 --> 00:11:29.026 align:middle out the regular season against Ohio State. 00:11:29.906 --> 00:11:33.096 align:middle To Bob Knight, it was both a sad and joyous occasion. 00:11:33.996 --> 00:11:37.866 align:middle Pre-game ceremonies that day honored retiring Buckeye mentor Fred Taylor, 00:11:38.116 --> 00:11:40.486 align:middle Knight's own college coach and closest friend 00:11:40.486 --> 00:11:47.076 align:middle in the coaching fraternity whose fabled 18-year career at Ohio State produced a list 00:11:47.346 --> 00:11:52.396 align:middle of winning accomplishments that will be remembered for years to come. 00:11:52.396 --> 00:11:56.786 align:middle It was also the final home appearance for Indiana seniors Tom Abernethy, Jim Crews, 00:11:56.786 --> 00:11:58.816 align:middle Bobby Wilkerson, Scott May, and Quinn Buckner. 00:11:58.846 --> 00:12:00.976 align:middle A group that brought joy and pride and achievement to every corner in the entire state. 00:12:01.326 --> 00:12:05.966 align:middle And on this day, when the usual Assembly Hall sellout came to pay tribute to the Hoosiers 00:12:05.966 --> 00:12:08.916 align:middle for one last time, it was indeed a grand occasion. 00:12:08.996 --> 00:12:13.786 align:middle For it would have been virtually impossible for anyone to have beaten IU in this final game. 00:12:14.836 --> 00:12:18.986 align:middle The final score was Indiana 96, Ohio State 67. 00:12:19.226 --> 00:12:23.716 align:middle And with it came a list of accomplishments that capped a truly remarkable season. 00:12:24.606 --> 00:12:28.506 align:middle The Hoosiers became the first time at Big Ten history to go unbeaten 00:12:28.506 --> 00:12:33.326 align:middle in the league two straight years and only the third league team in 56 years to go 00:12:33.326 --> 00:12:35.656 align:middle through the entire regular season unbeaten. 00:12:36.576 --> 00:12:39.396 align:middle And in winning their four consecutive Big Ten championships, 00:12:39.546 --> 00:12:43.166 align:middle the Hoosiers became conference record holders for victories in one year, 00:12:43.166 --> 00:12:44.666 align:middle two years, three years, and four years. 00:12:45.516 --> 00:12:53.056 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:12:53.556 --> 00:12:56.676 align:middle The players left the playing floor one by one that March afternoon. 00:12:56.956 --> 00:13:00.746 align:middle First Wilkerson, then Abernethy. 00:13:01.516 --> 00:13:05.201 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:13:05.701 --> 00:13:09.386 align:middle [ Music ] 00:13:09.886 --> 00:13:11.826 align:middle Then Buckner to the tune of the Mighty Quinn. 00:13:12.516 --> 00:13:28.736 align:middle [ Music ] 00:13:29.236 --> 00:13:30.796 align:middle Kent Benson who played half the year 00:13:30.796 --> 00:13:34.626 align:middle with an injured left wrist was named All Big Ten as well as All-American. 00:13:35.466 --> 00:13:38.626 align:middle Scott May, called by Knight maybe the best player ever to play 00:13:38.626 --> 00:13:42.836 align:middle at Indiana was named the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row. 00:13:43.466 --> 00:13:47.376 align:middle He was the unanimous All-American pick and a consensus choice as the Player 00:13:47.376 --> 00:13:48.906 align:middle of the Year in college basketball. 00:13:51.036 --> 00:13:55.466 align:middle Coach Bob Knight, the guiding force behind the team's success was named Coach of the Year 00:13:55.466 --> 00:13:58.256 align:middle by the Associated Press and Basketball Weekly. 00:13:58.366 --> 00:14:04.906 align:middle But the IU team had one elusive goal yet to fulfill, the NCAA championship. 00:14:06.446 --> 00:14:09.676 align:middle St. John's was an easy 90 to seven in the first round. 00:14:10.096 --> 00:14:15.106 align:middle However the NCAA mid-east regionals at Baton Rouge, Louisiana were a different story. 00:14:15.766 --> 00:14:19.806 align:middle This championship featured top 1o ranked Indiana, Marquette, Alabama, 00:14:20.096 --> 00:14:21.906 align:middle plus highly regarded Western Michigan. 00:14:22.896 --> 00:14:25.006 align:middle Sixth ranked Alabama, as quick a team 00:14:25.006 --> 00:14:27.636 align:middle as the Hoosiers faced all year was the first assignment. 00:14:27.636 --> 00:14:32.606 align:middle And when talking about the Crimson Tide, you had to start with All-American Leon Douglas. 00:14:33.206 --> 00:14:35.976 align:middle The 6-10 strongman had been a demon the week before 00:14:35.976 --> 00:14:41.526 align:middle as Alabama upset third ranked North Carolina and IU game plan was to keep Douglas away 00:14:41.526 --> 00:14:43.296 align:middle from the basket as much as possible. 00:14:44.786 --> 00:14:48.586 align:middle The tenacious Indiana defense was at its best early in the game and with 4 00:14:48.586 --> 00:14:53.786 align:middle and 1/2 minutes gone, Alabama was still scoreless and the Hoosiers led nine to nothing. 00:14:54.576 --> 00:14:57.806 align:middle Although the Crimson Tide battled on even terms throughout the remainder 00:14:57.806 --> 00:15:00.916 align:middle of the opening period, IU led by eight at the half. 00:15:01.016 --> 00:15:01.501 align:middle [ Music ] 00:15:01.501 --> 00:15:01.986 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:15:01.986 --> 00:15:31.166 align:middle The second half began much like the first half ended. 00:15:31.616 --> 00:15:36.036 align:middle The Crimson Tide keeping pace with the Hoosiers but having difficulties making up ground. 00:15:36.786 --> 00:15:42.266 align:middle It was a combination of sticky defense and the unyielding IU commodity, unselfish team play 00:15:42.266 --> 00:15:46.266 align:middle with everyone contributing to the cause, that propelled the Hoosiers to a 54 00:15:46.266 --> 00:15:48.616 align:middle to 42 lead, their largest of the game. 00:15:48.616 --> 00:15:52.986 align:middle It was at this point that the tide turned in favor of Alabama. 00:15:54.196 --> 00:15:58.006 align:middle When Kent Benson went to the bench with his fourth foul after charging into Douglas 00:15:58.046 --> 00:16:00.356 align:middle with 13 minutes to play, the Hoosiers, 00:16:00.356 --> 00:16:03.866 align:middle thanks to their early devastating defense were still comfortably in front. 00:16:04.746 --> 00:16:06.496 align:middle A Bobby Wilkerson bucket on a feed 00:16:06.496 --> 00:16:09.456 align:middle from Tom Abernethy once again upped the IU lead to 10 points. 00:16:09.456 --> 00:16:12.996 align:middle And from that point on, it was a nip and tuck affair. 00:16:13.196 --> 00:16:18.886 align:middle As Alabama chopped into the lead, it remained up to the Hoosier's bread and butter performer, 00:16:18.886 --> 00:16:21.226 align:middle Scott May, to deliver the clinching blows. 00:16:22.026 --> 00:16:23.796 align:middle First it was a jump shot and a free throw. 00:16:24.036 --> 00:16:27.756 align:middle A big three-point play that jumped a scary four-point lead back to seven. 00:16:28.476 --> 00:16:32.606 align:middle May's clutch scoring and a tenacious IU defense which didn't yield a point 00:16:32.606 --> 00:16:36.726 align:middle in the game's last four minutes, sent the Hoosiers into the mid-east regional final 00:16:36.996 --> 00:16:38.736 align:middle against number two ranked Marquette. 00:16:40.616 --> 00:16:44.666 align:middle Many observers felt the Warriors had the necessary tools to upset the Hoosiers. 00:16:45.106 --> 00:16:48.806 align:middle But when Scott May ripped a corner jumper for the game's first two points, 00:16:49.106 --> 00:16:51.736 align:middle the Warriors found themselves up against a team that wanted 00:16:51.736 --> 00:16:54.186 align:middle to win the mid-east regional title in the worst way. 00:16:55.036 --> 00:16:57.316 align:middle The Hoosiers were controlling both ends of the floor. 00:16:57.846 --> 00:17:00.286 align:middle Defensively, the Hoosiers were pressuring the Warriors 00:17:00.286 --> 00:17:02.696 align:middle into numerous turnovers with their tight man-to-man. 00:17:03.216 --> 00:17:07.716 align:middle While on the offensive end of the floor, Benson, Buckner, and Wilkerson were on target 00:17:07.716 --> 00:17:10.016 align:middle as the Hoosiers hit their first five shots. 00:17:10.326 --> 00:17:13.086 align:middle The combination of efficiency both offensively 00:17:13.086 --> 00:17:16.776 align:middle and defensively had the Warriors both confused and frustrated. 00:17:17.516 --> 00:17:33.781 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:17:34.281 --> 00:17:50.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:17:51.046 --> 00:17:54.186 align:middle But like all good teams, the Warriors weren't about to fold their tents. 00:17:54.516 --> 00:17:59.026 align:middle They fought back within five points and had to be smiling inside when with just six minutes 00:17:59.026 --> 00:18:03.276 align:middle and 27 seconds gone in the half, drew May into this third foul of the game, 00:18:03.466 --> 00:18:05.886 align:middle a charging violation that sent him to the sideline. 00:18:06.286 --> 00:18:08.826 align:middle But the Hoosier bench again came into prominence. 00:18:09.186 --> 00:18:13.416 align:middle Coach Knight called upon Wayne Radford to fill the void and after Benson arched 00:18:13.416 --> 00:18:15.976 align:middle in a hook shot, Radford drilled a 15-footer. 00:18:16.516 --> 00:18:35.706 align:middle [ Music ] 00:18:36.206 --> 00:18:40.586 align:middle Indiana's team concept of play which is every player prepared for his opportunity 00:18:40.586 --> 00:18:43.526 align:middle to contribute when called upon had provided the momentum 00:18:43.526 --> 00:18:47.216 align:middle as the Hoosiers took a 36-35 lead over Marquette at half time. 00:18:48.316 --> 00:18:52.046 align:middle Butch Lee's jumper at the start of the second half gave Marquette what would be their only 00:18:52.046 --> 00:18:52.926 align:middle lead of the game. 00:18:53.536 --> 00:18:56.806 align:middle Scott May, exiled to the bench with foul problems for most 00:18:56.806 --> 00:18:58.976 align:middle of the first half took over from there. 00:18:59.516 --> 00:19:27.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:19:28.046 --> 00:19:31.616 align:middle It was indeed an emotional experience for Coach Knight and his happy players. 00:19:31.696 --> 00:19:35.776 align:middle And the victory carried special meaning to May who was forced to miss most 00:19:35.976 --> 00:19:38.256 align:middle of last year's tournament action with a broken arm. 00:19:38.516 --> 00:19:45.016 align:middle Many observers believed May's injury ruined Indiana's chances for the NCAA title in 1975. 00:19:45.626 --> 00:19:50.576 align:middle But now in 1976, the team that wouldn't be beat was just two games away 00:19:50.576 --> 00:19:52.626 align:middle from a two-year quest becoming a reality. 00:19:53.036 --> 00:19:55.036 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:19:55.056 --> 00:19:57.466 align:middle The NCAA finals were held in the Spectrum in Philadelphia 00:19:57.556 --> 00:20:00.426 align:middle and the field possessed a uniqueness all its own. 00:20:00.576 --> 00:20:05.546 align:middle For the first time, two unbeatens, Indiana and Rutgers made it to the finals. 00:20:05.936 --> 00:20:09.306 align:middle And in another first, two teams from the same conference, 00:20:09.396 --> 00:20:11.946 align:middle IU and Michigan, were among the four survivors. 00:20:12.636 --> 00:20:16.356 align:middle And again, there were the Bruins of UCLA, the defending national champions. 00:20:16.526 --> 00:20:22.316 align:middle As Knight and UCLA coach, Gene Bartow, exchanged greetings prior to the opening tip-off, 00:20:22.316 --> 00:20:27.466 align:middle thoughts raced back to the opening game of the season when the Hoosiers beat UCLA 84 to 64. 00:20:28.356 --> 00:20:30.656 align:middle No one expected it to be that easy this time. 00:20:31.806 --> 00:20:36.356 align:middle Even though Quinn Buckner scored off the opening tip-off, it was evident the Bruins were primed 00:20:36.356 --> 00:20:37.796 align:middle for their best effort of the season. 00:20:37.796 --> 00:20:42.876 align:middle In fact, before the Hoosiers could score again, a bucket by Benson on a feed from May, 00:20:43.376 --> 00:20:46.466 align:middle the Bruins had scored seven straight points for a seven to two lead. 00:20:48.406 --> 00:20:52.116 align:middle But when the going got tough, the IU team seemed to perform at its best. 00:20:52.836 --> 00:20:56.666 align:middle Patiently, methodically, they pulled their pressuring defense even tighter 00:20:57.076 --> 00:20:59.056 align:middle which resulted in a UCLA turnover. 00:20:59.106 --> 00:21:02.716 align:middle And even when the Bruins weren't committing damaging floor errors, 00:21:03.016 --> 00:21:06.346 align:middle they found penetrating the IU defense was almost impossible 00:21:06.866 --> 00:21:09.786 align:middle which oftentimes resulted in low percentage shots. 00:21:09.786 --> 00:21:14.226 align:middle And in classic Knight style, while the defense was stifling the Bruins, 00:21:14.426 --> 00:21:16.226 align:middle the offense was asserting itself. 00:21:16.986 --> 00:21:20.296 align:middle Benson, May, Buckner, and the unheralded duo of Bobby Wilkerson 00:21:20.296 --> 00:21:24.476 align:middle and Tom Abernethy were giving the Hoosiers a balanced scoring attack. 00:21:24.476 --> 00:21:30.236 align:middle The Hoosiers crept back to tie it at 15-15 and then moved ahead at 21-19 with 7 00:21:30.236 --> 00:21:32.346 align:middle and 1/2 minutes left in the half. 00:21:32.346 --> 00:21:34.956 align:middle It was a lead IU would never again relinquish. 00:21:35.516 --> 00:22:02.501 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:22:03.001 --> 00:22:29.986 align:middle [ Music ] 00:22:30.486 --> 00:22:35.056 align:middle By halftime, the Hoosiers had rolled to an eight point lead at 34-36. 00:22:35.586 --> 00:22:38.556 align:middle The IU fans seemed to sense that victory was in the offing. 00:22:39.256 --> 00:22:41.826 align:middle And as the two teams lined up to start the second period, 00:22:42.186 --> 00:22:44.886 align:middle there was an air of confidence blowing from the Hoosier squad. 00:22:45.576 --> 00:22:49.236 align:middle It wasn't cockiness or arrogance but rather the self-assured look 00:22:49.306 --> 00:22:51.486 align:middle that a team has when it knows where it's headed. 00:22:52.316 --> 00:22:55.216 align:middle With Bobby Wilkerson controlling the second half tip-off, 00:22:55.446 --> 00:22:57.576 align:middle the Hoosiers quickly upped their lead to 12 points. 00:22:58.586 --> 00:23:02.186 align:middle Twice the Bruins fought back within six but time and time again, 00:23:02.626 --> 00:23:07.896 align:middle the precisionly fine-tuned IU attack came up with a big play that broke the UCLA dynasty. 00:23:10.526 --> 00:23:14.906 align:middle There were many heroes during the 65 to 51 victory but the two standouts, 00:23:14.976 --> 00:23:18.616 align:middle perhaps underrated all season long were Wilkerson and Tom Abernethy. 00:23:19.586 --> 00:23:23.746 align:middle Wilkerson turned in an incredible rebounding performance grabbing 19 boards 00:23:23.746 --> 00:23:26.856 align:middle from his guard position while passing out seven assists. 00:23:27.426 --> 00:23:30.906 align:middle But Abernethy who gave IU coaches and fans a scare when he collided 00:23:31.026 --> 00:23:34.966 align:middle with UCLA's Richard Washington and came up holding his knee was even better. 00:23:35.876 --> 00:23:40.336 align:middle Given the difficult assignment of defending the 6-11 All-American Washington and giving 00:23:40.336 --> 00:23:43.926 align:middle up 4 inches in the process, Abernethy shackled the Bruin 00:23:43.926 --> 00:23:46.466 align:middle and held him scoreless for over 25 minutes. 00:23:47.256 --> 00:23:52.586 align:middle In addition, Aber scored 14 points and hauled in six rebounds, a one-game performance 00:23:52.586 --> 00:23:54.976 align:middle that ensured his selection to the all-tournament team. 00:23:55.516 --> 00:24:04.601 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:24:05.101 --> 00:24:14.186 align:middle [ Music ] 00:24:14.686 --> 00:24:19.286 align:middle As the scoreboard clock ran out the final seconds, Knight ordered the spread out offense, 00:24:19.526 --> 00:24:24.546 align:middle an effective IU weapon all season long and produced the basket that gave the Hoosiers 00:24:24.546 --> 00:24:29.326 align:middle and insurmountable 10 point lead, executed perfectly as Scott May broke lose 00:24:29.326 --> 00:24:32.876 align:middle to take the pass from Jim Crews that meant two points and victory. 00:24:34.256 --> 00:24:35.466 align:middle The UCLA myth was destroyed. 00:24:35.466 --> 00:24:40.826 align:middle For the second time, the Hoosiers had crushed the Bruins and now only one game remain, 00:24:41.236 --> 00:24:43.646 align:middle the season's third battle with mighty Michigan. 00:24:44.376 --> 00:24:49.136 align:middle Electricity and excitement filled the air as the big red of Indiana and the big blue 00:24:49.136 --> 00:24:51.856 align:middle of Michigan took the floor for their historic meeting. 00:24:52.306 --> 00:24:55.176 align:middle The first time two members of the same conference were meeting 00:24:55.176 --> 00:24:56.516 align:middle for the national championship. 00:24:57.546 --> 00:25:01.366 align:middle The two coaches, Bobby Knight and Johnny Orr, were both enjoying the success 00:25:01.366 --> 00:25:04.266 align:middle and publicity given to Big Ten from having two teams 00:25:04.266 --> 00:25:06.186 align:middle from the same conference battling for the title. 00:25:06.766 --> 00:25:09.516 align:middle And there was no question about their mutual admiration 00:25:09.596 --> 00:25:11.926 align:middle and friendship both on and off the court. 00:25:12.416 --> 00:25:16.906 align:middle Both coaches stated flatly that the other's club was the toughest team they had faced all season 00:25:17.276 --> 00:25:19.936 align:middle and the results of the previous battles was positive fruit. 00:25:20.516 --> 00:25:26.106 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:25:26.606 --> 00:25:30.886 align:middle The excitement and thrill turned briefly to fear and anxiety in the first three minutes 00:25:30.886 --> 00:25:33.966 align:middle of the game when Bobby Wilkerson suffered a blow to the head 00:25:33.966 --> 00:25:36.476 align:middle that left him unconscious and dazed in a hospital. 00:25:37.316 --> 00:25:40.606 align:middle The Spider-Man's disappointment in not being able to share in what was 00:25:40.606 --> 00:25:44.666 align:middle to come would be overshadowed by his magnificent three-year contribution 00:25:44.926 --> 00:25:46.336 align:middle in helping his team get there. 00:25:47.696 --> 00:25:52.716 align:middle Momentarily shaken by the accident and fighting against what Orr would later call the best half 00:25:52.716 --> 00:25:57.116 align:middle of basketball his team could play, the Hoosiers, despite the scoring and passing 00:25:57.116 --> 00:25:58.956 align:middle of captain Quinn Buckner fell behind. 00:25:59.756 --> 00:26:01.986 align:middle It wasn't that the Hoosiers were playing that badly, 00:26:02.306 --> 00:26:05.526 align:middle the Wolverines were simply playing beyond all expectations. 00:26:05.906 --> 00:26:08.536 align:middle They hit 62% of their first half shots. 00:26:08.816 --> 00:26:12.746 align:middle And although Abernethy, Benson, and Buckner took turns in keeping the Hoosiers close, 00:26:13.176 --> 00:26:15.856 align:middle for Indiana fans, the best was yet to come. 00:26:16.516 --> 00:26:25.216 align:middle [ Music ] 00:26:25.716 --> 00:26:27.926 align:middle The Michigan fans were obviously happy. 00:26:28.066 --> 00:26:32.126 align:middle But at the same time, amazed that their club, despite playing a brilliant half 00:26:32.126 --> 00:26:35.566 align:middle of basketball were only six points ahead. 00:26:35.566 --> 00:26:37.976 align:middle Indiana fans, meanwhile, were apprehensive. 00:26:38.576 --> 00:26:43.476 align:middle Yet the IU faithful had seen the Hoosiers down before and knew their comeback capabilities. 00:26:44.516 --> 00:26:51.281 align:middle [ Music ] 00:26:51.781 --> 00:26:58.546 align:middle [ Cheering ] 00:26:59.046 --> 00:27:01.266 align:middle Yet the Michigan partisans or any other segment 00:27:01.266 --> 00:27:05.476 align:middle of the national television audience expected the Hoosiers to play in a panic the second half, 00:27:05.786 --> 00:27:07.616 align:middle their thoughts were quickly squashed. 00:27:07.776 --> 00:27:11.696 align:middle After controlling the tip-off, the Hoosiers patiently worked the ball 00:27:11.696 --> 00:27:13.526 align:middle until they got the kind of shot they wanted, 00:27:13.906 --> 00:27:16.656 align:middle not the kind the Michigan defense would like to have dictated. 00:27:17.256 --> 00:27:20.606 align:middle And when Kent Benson scored to immediately cut into the Wolverine lead, 00:27:21.116 --> 00:27:23.036 align:middle the whole complexion in the game turned around. 00:27:23.036 --> 00:27:28.356 align:middle The Hoosiers were about to embark on perhaps their best half of basketball of the season. 00:27:30.656 --> 00:27:34.546 align:middle Scott May and Kent Benson took over the heavy scoring load in the second half. 00:27:34.546 --> 00:27:36.766 align:middle The two combining for 33 points. 00:27:37.276 --> 00:27:40.566 align:middle It was no wonder they were unanimous choices for the all-tournament team 00:27:40.566 --> 00:27:42.506 align:middle and consensus All-American as well. 00:27:43.606 --> 00:27:46.156 align:middle But if May and Benson typified the Hoosier offense, 00:27:46.406 --> 00:27:49.286 align:middle it was guard Quinn Buckner who typified the defense. 00:27:49.766 --> 00:27:53.746 align:middle His steal from Steve Brody and subsequent lay-up exemplified the defense 00:27:53.746 --> 00:27:57.966 align:middle that allowed Michigan only 35% shooting and 33 second half points. 00:27:58.516 --> 00:28:16.546 align:middle [ Music ] 00:28:17.046 --> 00:28:18.126 align:middle Hoosier heroes were plentiful. 00:28:18.476 --> 00:28:20.486 align:middle And once again it was the Hoosier bench 00:28:20.536 --> 00:28:23.286 align:middle that deserved all the accolades that could be thrown their way. 00:28:24.196 --> 00:28:28.016 align:middle Jimmy Wisman subbing for the injured Wilkerson continually passed off 00:28:28.016 --> 00:28:30.496 align:middle for baskets to Benson and May. 00:28:30.496 --> 00:28:34.956 align:middle Even freshman Rich Valavicius in the biggest game of his life played like a poised veteran. 00:28:35.626 --> 00:28:37.736 align:middle When he connected with a 15-foot jump shot 00:28:37.736 --> 00:28:41.466 align:middle to give the Hoosiers a four point lead, victory seemed inevitable. 00:28:42.426 --> 00:28:46.196 align:middle Michigan was gasping for breath but the Hoosiers relentlessly marched on. 00:28:46.946 --> 00:28:51.706 align:middle Benson who was scoring at will from the inside began terrorizing the Wolves on defense. 00:28:52.316 --> 00:28:57.386 align:middle Still, the Wolverines stayed within four but the play that ended their faint hopes was executed 00:28:57.436 --> 00:29:00.676 align:middle by Scott May, an underhanded [inaudible] shot. 00:29:01.286 --> 00:29:07.336 align:middle That upped the margin to six and the Hoosiers then went on to record 10 straight points. 00:29:07.616 --> 00:29:10.716 align:middle Two of them coming on Abernethy's drive after a pass from Buckner. 00:29:11.846 --> 00:29:13.496 align:middle Only the final seconds remain. 00:29:14.106 --> 00:29:19.106 align:middle The national championship, a two-year quest was in sight and thus it became a reality. 00:29:19.106 --> 00:29:21.756 align:middle [Male Speaker:] Here's Quinn Buckner doing a jig on the floor. 00:29:21.756 --> 00:29:26.026 align:middle He's dancing up and down doing a little dance. 00:29:26.026 --> 00:29:33.096 align:middle Here comes May out of the game. 00:29:33.096 --> 00:29:37.116 align:middle Benson and May embracing on the floor. 00:29:37.116 --> 00:29:42.606 align:middle Valavicius hugs them. 00:29:42.606 --> 00:29:47.626 align:middle Scotty May, jumping up and down. 00:29:47.626 --> 00:29:49.036 align:middle [Inaudible] and Bobby Knight. 00:29:49.036 --> 00:29:49.916 align:middle Here comes Benson. 00:29:49.946 --> 00:29:50.756 align:middle Benson now jumping up and down. 00:29:50.786 --> 00:29:51.206 align:middle [Inaudible] hands in the air. 00:29:51.236 --> 00:29:51.566 align:middle Unbelievable. 00:29:51.596 --> 00:29:51.896 align:middle Incredible. 00:29:51.896 --> 00:29:51.963 align:middle [Inaudible]. 00:29:51.963 --> 00:29:52.976 align:middle They know they've won the national championship. 00:29:55.256 --> 00:30:01.346 align:middle [Male Speaker:] All these people that have helped me and were really rooting for us 00:30:01.346 --> 00:30:08.246 align:middle and I think felt a great part of this team and I'm very grateful that we had an opportunity 00:30:08.296 --> 00:30:10.976 align:middle to play in this game tonight and very pleased that we won it.