The Game that Changed it All

Battling through racism and basketball games, the game that has been remembered throughout history is the Miners upset win over Kentucky. This game proved to all people that African Americans deserved more of a chance in collegiate athletics.

Source: Unknown, 1966

Heavily Motivated

After reaching a game that didn't seem possible, Texas Western was named the underdog once again (McKown, 2007). Being tabbed underdogs and playing against a racist, yet legendary coach Adolph Rupp, who refused to recruit African American players, motivated the Miners greatly.

"The winner of Friday night's Duke-Kentucky game was considered the team to beat for the crown" (Fogg, 1966).

The Opposition

The Kentucky Wildcats were rated as the favorites and rightfully so. The Wildcats were well coached and had multiple star players on their roster. They were 27-2, had an SEC title, and were led by three All-Americans: Louie Dampier, Thad Jaracz, and Pat Riley. Coach Adulph Rupp knew all about winning as he had four national titles and would go down as the winningest coach in college basketball history of his time. Later, the Wildcats court was named after him (Carter, 2003).

"We knew Kentucky could shoot the ball and if we didn't defend it, we'd be second" - Don Haskins (College, 1966).

Source: UTEP Miners Youtube, 2010

"'It was quite a thrill for me to even play in a game with Rupp let alone win" - Coach Haskins (College, 1966).

The Game Itself

The Miners, played excellent basketball throughout the game. When the clock read 10:18 in the first half, the Miners led 10-9. They never looked back (McKown, 2007). Immediately following this, Bobby Joe Hill recorded two steals and two layups on back-to-back possessions, to put the Miners up 14-9. This was credited as the turning point by Rupp (Before It was the Final Four, 1196). From then on, the Miners maintained control with the Wildcats only coming within one point. They secured their first ever National Title with a 72-65 victory.

Postgame

Despite the media pinning the two prominent races against each other, the Wildcats showed great sportsmanship after the game. Rumors were reported that Rupp was furious for losing to a team full of African American players, however, players like Louie Dampier went in to the victor's locker room to congratulate the Miners (Before It was the Final Four, 1196). The Miners were asked by reporters if their win was a racial victory, but all players denied this saying they only wanted the championship (Haskins 2006).

"But after the game (Rupp) didn't shake any of our hands, not a one of us, he didn't say a kind word about us" -Nevil Shed (Kornheiser, 1977).