1971-03-25 Western Kentucky vs Villanova (NCAA Tournament Final Four) - 50 years ago today!

[@AlfromFL]

I was at this game. My junior year at Villanova. Had floor seats, row 6, which were 8 feet below court level. We had to stand on our seats. The Villanova charter trip including airfare, hotel, buses and game tickets cost $188. All the money I had in the world. But the best money I ever spent. I was back in Houston in 2016 to see Villanova win the Championship. As I walked past the Astrodome on the way into NRG Stadium, seeing the 8th wonder of the world for the first time in 45 years, memories of this game all came back. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@BrianLawrence-vk3pu]

Seems likely a player could get seriously injured chasing a loose ball off the sidelines from that height. It only appears maybe six feet from sideline to edge of stage. Im curious if a player has ever been injured in that manner.

[@stever1791]

The NCAA has erased this game. But we Villanova and Western Kentucky fans watched it and saw it played. One of the best games ever in the tournament . 2 OT"S and buzzard shots by Porter to extend the game. Nova was exhausted and came up short to the UCLA team on Saturday afternoon. Congratulations to Howard Porter for still being the MOP on a losing Team ( Rarley done ) and RIP to Big Mac and Howard - 2 of the BEST EVER IN The College Game

[@HilltopperVault]

Well said!

[@eskiasmcdaniels5648]

My old man was #44. I love watching stuff like this as there isn’t a lot of footage around. I have the jersey he wore in this game at my house.

[@HilltopperVault]

@@eskiasmcdaniels5648 I wish there was more too and I will certainly keep an eye out for any footage. Jim McDaniels is a legend in WKU basketball.

[@stever1791]

@@HilltopperVault Hello , I've commented on your Dad's career on another Western Kentucky you tube game site ( Maybe the Jacksonville game ? Your Dad was a legend of College Basketball. Great big man 18 to 20 foot jump shot. He was such a pleasure to watch. Of course back in 1969 to '71 Not many college games were on TV. No ESPN or Al Mcquire or Billy Packer doing the games. But i saw your Dad go against LsSalle in Philly at the Palestra - He was great 1969 -1970 season. One of my college teamates played with your Dad in Italy ( I think that was the country ) - said your Dad was a great guy and Teammate. I wish his stay with Seattle and Bill Russell was a better experience when his was in the NBA. You stay well and healthy . Treasure that #44 jersey

[@stephencabrera9476]

By the way villinova had to vacate this win because Howard porter got involved with an agent,I have no idea what they would have done if they would have beaten ucla….. would they have awarded ucla the championship anyway?

[@ji8044]

Number 42 for Villanova, Chris Ford, passed away today at age 74.

[@johnmanier7968]

This was the first Final Four in a domed stadium built for football and/or baseball, and the only one in the Astrodome. The next would be in the Superdome in 1982.

[@HilltopperVault]

Cool info. Did not know that!

[@terencemccarthy4515]

THANK YOU. Happy 50th anniversary!!!

[@stever1791]

Youur welcome. I was at the LaSalle -Western K, game in philly earlier that year ( Palestra ) La Salle upset the Hilltoppers that game , Durrett had 45. But I knew With that lineup for the WK team, they'd be around later in the year, We are big fans of Jim McDaniels and Jim Rose ( great players )

[@stephencabrera9476]

I was there as a 13 yr old,I was fascinated by the elevated floor,w Kentucky beat Jacksonville in the regional final in a miracle ending or it prob would have been a repeat title game from the year before

[@BrianLawrence-vk3pu]

Ahh, I remember when the rule requiring players jumping at center court to not touch the ball until it reaches it's apex was actually enforced. 80% of jump balls today are controlled on the way up. You can almost see the fear in the referee sending it up. Almost like his only hope is he can throw it and get outta there before he gets trampled. Different times for sure