source: http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/sports/year_in_sports/03.31.html

UCLA defeats Kentucky 92-85 in the NCAA championship game.  It was the 10th title in 12 seasons for the Bruins.  What a way to go out for the Wizard of Westwood who coached at UCLA for 27 years.

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://www.astropix.com/SPORTSPIX/NSC/TIPS01.HTM

With 17 seconds remaining Michael Jordan’s shot wins the title for the Tar Heels over Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas 63-62.

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.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM 1951 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

source: http://bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/roster1950-51.html

source: http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=sports-entertainment-history

Magic Johnson leads Michigan State to the NCAA title over Larry Bird and Indiana State 75-64.  It was the only loss of the season for Indiana State and was also the highest rated college basketball game in television history.

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.