source: http://www.lib.utah.edu/portal/site/marriottlibrary/menuitem.350f2794f84fb3b29cf87354d1e916b9/?vgnextoid=8a92e39a8050c110VgnVCM1000001c9e619bRCRD
During World War II a benefit game for the Red Cross was held each year in Madison Square Garden that pitted the winner of NCAA tournament against the winner of the NIT. St. Johns certainly had home court advantage as 18,125 fans cheered them on but it wasn’t enough as the Utah Utes win 43-36.
source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/cover/featured/8766/index.htm
In Pittsburgh the Edmonton Oilers defeat the Penguins 5-2. On a power play in the 2nd period Mark Messier scores a goal with an assist from Wayne Gretzky. It was Gretzky’s 100th assist of the season and 153rd point, a new NHL record for most points in a season. The Great One would finish the game with 2 more points and a total of 164 for the 1980-81 season. Gretzky would surpass his own record the following season with 212 points and again in 1985-86 with 215 points.
source: http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=18323
Kentucky leads 103-102 with 2 seconds remaining. The in bounds pass from Grant Hill of Duke goes the full length of the court, Christian Laettner receives the pass and makes the shot at the buzzer giving Duke a one point victory and a birth in the final four. Duke would go on to win the championship over Michigan for their 2nd consecutive NCAA title.
Kentucky defeats Kansas State 68-58. It was the 3rd of 4 titles for Adolph Rupp during his 41 years as Wildcat head coach.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM 1951 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
source: http://bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/roster1950-51.html
source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2004329085_1finalfour05.html
In the greatest shooting performance in NCAA finals history, Bill Walton scores 44 points on 21 of 22 from the field. UCLA defeats Memphis State 87-66 giving the Bruins a second consecutive undefeated season. It was also their 7th consecutive NCAA championship and 9th in the previous 10 seasons.
source: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DePaul-University-George-Mikan-8x10-Photo-Print-Picture-/200625595717
In the NIT Championship game played at Madison Square Garden the St. John’s Redmen defeat DePaul 47-39. High scorer of the game with 13 points was #99 George Mikan who went on to fame as the first big man in the NBA.
source: http://www.mmbolding.com/Kansas_NCAA/index.htm
Legendary coach Phog Allen and the Kansas Jayhawks win their first NCAA title defeating St. Johns in the championship game 80-63. Video shows highlights from many games during the 1952 season including the championship game starting at 6:06 of the video.
