| by Chris Maynard (collegebasketballnostaglic@gmail.com) With trips to the Final Four at stakes, Elite Eight contests are so more intense than Sweet Sixteen games, with this never more so apparent than the 1997 NCAA Tournament classic between the |
No. 1 Minnesota Golden Gophers and the No. 2 UCLA Bruins.
Why You Should Watch This Game: The intensity. Quite honestly, this game was tense from the opening tip, with the large contingent of Minnesota fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, really bringing the noise. While outnumbered in fan support, UCLA played great during this awesome game with the Golden Gophers, which certainly looked like the less experienced tournament program for a good amount of time. Last but not least, this game was called by the steady Tim Ryan and one-and-only Al McGuire, both of whom were on top of their games.
What You Would Have Been Watching for Minnesota in 1997: Minnesota was making its first Elite Eight appearance since 1990, which happened to be its first and only in school history at the time. The Golden Gophers were a major surprise in 1997, going from tournament snubs in 1996 to not ranked the following preseason and a No. 1 seed in 1997. The Gophers were led by senior star Bobby Jackson and junior forward Sam Jacobson, who scored 36 and 29 points, respectively, in Minnesota’s double-overtime Sweet Sixteen survival against Clemson. During that game, Minnesota starting point guard Eric Harris injured his right soldier; thus, his ability to play was in the spotlight, though the Golden Gophers were deep.
What You Would Have Been Watching for UCLA in 1997: UCLA was trying to get back to the Final Four for the second time in three years, this time with a new head coach in Steve Lavin. After winning the 1995 NCAA Tournament under Jim Harrick, the Bruins were shocked in the 1996 first round by Princeton. Lavin’s first UCLA team included four starters who played in the 1995 national title game, with the likes of Cameron Dollar, Toby Bailey, J.R. Henderson and Charles O’Bannon. Dollar willed the Bruins to victory during a Sweet Sixteen overtime clash against Iowa State. With Harris banged up, Dollar was the man to watch for UCLA.
What I Remember Watching: I remember watching this entire game, the first Elite Eight contest of the 1997 NCAA Tournament, up-close and by myself in front of the television in my parents’ living room. I remember not having a rooting interest coming into the game. I quickly turned towards UCLA as the Bruins came out the looser team, playing some brilliant basketball. As the game started to shift in favor of Minnesota during the second half, I remember being a bit upset. Also, I wanted UCLA to win because Illinois beat the Bruins earlier this season; the Illini also beat Minnesota in Champaign.
Who Was Watching for You: As mentioned above, Ryan and McGuire were on the call. Ryan was a very underrated announcer in my opinion, including his broadcasts of NFL games in the eighties. McGuire was really focused this game, predicting what was going to happen before it did. All in all, this was a tremendously solid broadcast.
Where Were They Watching: This game took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Alamodome was the then-home of the San Antonio Spurs. The court featured orange on its baselines and its center-circle, with this color seeming out of place with the Spurs grey, white and black colors. According to Ryan, 5,000 Minnesota fans were in attendance, and it was apparent from the opening tip that there were far more Minnesota fans than UCLA fans. In some regards, this game reminded me of the 2005 Elite Eight game between Illinois and Arizona, when the All State Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, was all Illinois fans. While getting to Elite Eights was old hat for the Bruins, this was something new for the Golden Gophers, thus it is no surprise that so many Minnesota fans showed up.
If You Don’t Want to Watch (Game Summary): After a lackadaisical Sweet Sixteen game against Iowa State, UCLA came out to play. The Bruins led 34-29 at the break, with the lead feeling bigger at times. With the Golden Gophers shooting just 30% (3-for-10) in the game’s first 8 minutes, UCLA would have been up bigger than a 12-10 score if the Bruins stroked the ball better, shooting 40% (6-of-15). Remember that UCLA led the nation in field goal percentage this season, at 52% per game. UCLA led 26-25 at the under-4 break, but finished the half on a 7-3 spurt to take a five-point lead. The Bruins were led by senior Charles O’Bannon, who was fantastic in the first half, with 13 points. As for the Golden Gophers, stars Bobby Jackson and Sam Jacobson were quiet, though sophomore big Courtney James stepped up.
In the second half, the Bruins came out rolling, hitting its first five field goals and leading by 10 points at one point in the first four minutes. After Jacobson was benched with his third foul shortly after the under-16 timeout, the game shifted when Minnesota’s Quincy Lewis came in the game. Lewis, along with senior lefty sharpshooter Charles Thomas and sophomore big Miles Tarver, swung the game in favor of the Golden Gophers. Lewis scored eight quick points in the second half, which became a back-and-forth affair. Even though Minnesota clearly had seized the momentum, and held a 5-point lead at the under-4 timeout, the Bruins did not quit. A gorgeous O’Bannon floater with 1:57 left in the game cut the Minnesota lead to just two points, 66-64. However, the Bruins would get no closer as Minnesota, particularly Jackson and Lewis, would salt away the game at the free throw line. Minnesota won 80-72, reaching its first Final Four in school history. Of course, this Final Four appearance would be vacated due to an academic cheating scandal, thought that’s a story for another post.
Ultimately, this game came down to depth, with Minnesota getting huge bench contributions from Lewis (17 points), Charles Thomas (14) and Tarver (10 solid minutes), and strong overall games from starters James (12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists) and John Thomas (7 points, 7 boards) on a night when Jackson (16 points) and Jacobson (14 points) were held in check (in comparison to the Sweet Sixteen) and Harris (0 points in 23 minutes) was playing with basically one shoulder. UCLA played most of the second half with just five guys, as starting center Jelani McCoy (13 total minutes) missed most of the last 20 minutes with a bruised sternum. In their last college games, O’Bannon and Dollar had contrasting performances. O’Bannon (22 points) was spectacular while Dollar (7 points, only 2 assists) struggled after being so clutch in the Sweet Sixteen. Nonetheless, the feeling of disappointment was the same for the two, who missed their final chance at another Final Four.
Why You Should Watch This Game: The intensity. Quite honestly, this game was tense from the opening tip, with the large contingent of Minnesota fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, really bringing the noise. While outnumbered in fan support, UCLA played great during this awesome game with the Golden Gophers, which certainly looked like the less experienced tournament program for a good amount of time. Last but not least, this game was called by the steady Tim Ryan and one-and-only Al McGuire, both of whom were on top of their games.
What You Would Have Been Watching for Minnesota in 1997: Minnesota was making its first Elite Eight appearance since 1990, which happened to be its first and only in school history at the time. The Golden Gophers were a major surprise in 1997, going from tournament snubs in 1996 to not ranked the following preseason and a No. 1 seed in 1997. The Gophers were led by senior star Bobby Jackson and junior forward Sam Jacobson, who scored 36 and 29 points, respectively, in Minnesota’s double-overtime Sweet Sixteen survival against Clemson. During that game, Minnesota starting point guard Eric Harris injured his right soldier; thus, his ability to play was in the spotlight, though the Golden Gophers were deep.
What You Would Have Been Watching for UCLA in 1997: UCLA was trying to get back to the Final Four for the second time in three years, this time with a new head coach in Steve Lavin. After winning the 1995 NCAA Tournament under Jim Harrick, the Bruins were shocked in the 1996 first round by Princeton. Lavin’s first UCLA team included four starters who played in the 1995 national title game, with the likes of Cameron Dollar, Toby Bailey, J.R. Henderson and Charles O’Bannon. Dollar willed the Bruins to victory during a Sweet Sixteen overtime clash against Iowa State. With Harris banged up, Dollar was the man to watch for UCLA.
What I Remember Watching: I remember watching this entire game, the first Elite Eight contest of the 1997 NCAA Tournament, up-close and by myself in front of the television in my parents’ living room. I remember not having a rooting interest coming into the game. I quickly turned towards UCLA as the Bruins came out the looser team, playing some brilliant basketball. As the game started to shift in favor of Minnesota during the second half, I remember being a bit upset. Also, I wanted UCLA to win because Illinois beat the Bruins earlier this season; the Illini also beat Minnesota in Champaign.
Who Was Watching for You: As mentioned above, Ryan and McGuire were on the call. Ryan was a very underrated announcer in my opinion, including his broadcasts of NFL games in the eighties. McGuire was really focused this game, predicting what was going to happen before it did. All in all, this was a tremendously solid broadcast.
Where Were They Watching: This game took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Alamodome was the then-home of the San Antonio Spurs. The court featured orange on its baselines and its center-circle, with this color seeming out of place with the Spurs grey, white and black colors. According to Ryan, 5,000 Minnesota fans were in attendance, and it was apparent from the opening tip that there were far more Minnesota fans than UCLA fans. In some regards, this game reminded me of the 2005 Elite Eight game between Illinois and Arizona, when the All State Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, was all Illinois fans. While getting to Elite Eights was old hat for the Bruins, this was something new for the Golden Gophers, thus it is no surprise that so many Minnesota fans showed up.
If You Don’t Want to Watch (Game Summary): After a lackadaisical Sweet Sixteen game against Iowa State, UCLA came out to play. The Bruins led 34-29 at the break, with the lead feeling bigger at times. With the Golden Gophers shooting just 30% (3-for-10) in the game’s first 8 minutes, UCLA would have been up bigger than a 12-10 score if the Bruins stroked the ball better, shooting 40% (6-of-15). Remember that UCLA led the nation in field goal percentage this season, at 52% per game. UCLA led 26-25 at the under-4 break, but finished the half on a 7-3 spurt to take a five-point lead. The Bruins were led by senior Charles O’Bannon, who was fantastic in the first half, with 13 points. As for the Golden Gophers, stars Bobby Jackson and Sam Jacobson were quiet, though sophomore big Courtney James stepped up.
In the second half, the Bruins came out rolling, hitting its first five field goals and leading by 10 points at one point in the first four minutes. After Jacobson was benched with his third foul shortly after the under-16 timeout, the game shifted when Minnesota’s Quincy Lewis came in the game. Lewis, along with senior lefty sharpshooter Charles Thomas and sophomore big Miles Tarver, swung the game in favor of the Golden Gophers. Lewis scored eight quick points in the second half, which became a back-and-forth affair. Even though Minnesota clearly had seized the momentum, and held a 5-point lead at the under-4 timeout, the Bruins did not quit. A gorgeous O’Bannon floater with 1:57 left in the game cut the Minnesota lead to just two points, 66-64. However, the Bruins would get no closer as Minnesota, particularly Jackson and Lewis, would salt away the game at the free throw line. Minnesota won 80-72, reaching its first Final Four in school history. Of course, this Final Four appearance would be vacated due to an academic cheating scandal, thought that’s a story for another post.
Ultimately, this game came down to depth, with Minnesota getting huge bench contributions from Lewis (17 points), Charles Thomas (14) and Tarver (10 solid minutes), and strong overall games from starters James (12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists) and John Thomas (7 points, 7 boards) on a night when Jackson (16 points) and Jacobson (14 points) were held in check (in comparison to the Sweet Sixteen) and Harris (0 points in 23 minutes) was playing with basically one shoulder. UCLA played most of the second half with just five guys, as starting center Jelani McCoy (13 total minutes) missed most of the last 20 minutes with a bruised sternum. In their last college games, O’Bannon and Dollar had contrasting performances. O’Bannon (22 points) was spectacular while Dollar (7 points, only 2 assists) struggled after being so clutch in the Sweet Sixteen. Nonetheless, the feeling of disappointment was the same for the two, who missed their final chance at another Final Four.
What You Should Watch in 2017: Honestly, this whole game is a great watch. With that said, the second half marked a switch in intensity for the Bruins, who came out ready to seize a trip to the Final Four, and elevated panic for the Golden Gophers, which came out a bit flat and on its heels. As a viewer, I could feel the nervousness of the Minnesota crowd early in the second half as the Bruins took it to the Golden Gophers, very similar to what Arizona did to Illinois in the second half of the 2005 Elite Eight. Basically, the best thing that happened for Minnesota occurred @46:40 to @46:55 when a struggling Jacobson picked up his third foul and some time in the bench. Lewis came in the game and gave the Golden Gophers a huge spark, setting in motion a thrilling conclusion to this game.
Player You Should Watch in 2017: Minnesota’s Quincy Lewis was fantastic, scoring off drives, offensive rebounds and from the free throw line in the second half, while having a big impact on the defensive end. Lewis truly lived up to his reputation as “Instant Offense” during this game and saved the Gophers’ season. Fast forward to @46:55, when Jacobson picked up that third foul, and you'll quickly see Lewis' impact on not only both ends of the floor but emotionally for the Golden Gophers.
What Stood Out During This Watch:
● The pro-Minnesota crowd made this feel like a road game for the Bruins, who thrived as the underdog.
● While Jackson and Jacobson are the names first remembered from this Minnesota team, the Golden Gophers don’t reach the Final Four without its bench play from Lewis, Thomas and Tarver. Lewis and Thomas were fearless in the second half, taking and making big shots, while Tarver showed some deft passing while being the trailing option on the fast break.
● Jackson was really kept in check for most of the game, not scoring his first basket of the second-half until @1:07:24. Also surprising about this game and the Sweet Sixteen contest against Iowa State was how good a rebounder Jackson was for his generous 6’0 listing.
● While frustrated this game, Jacobson was still capable of quick scoring bursts, as seen @1:04:42 and @1:05:57. Jacobson never lacked confidence when it came to his scoring ability, as this game showed.
● Minnesota head coach Clem Haskins pushed all the right buttons in the second half, going with the hot play of Lewis, Thomas and even Tarver to get the Gophers back in the game. For a man seeking his first Final Four, Haskins was smooth and composed all night long. He really built a nice squad in 1996/1997.
● The same goes for Lavin, who developed a reputation as an underachieving coach whose talented teams never reached their full capabilities. In his first season with the Bruins, Lavin did a great job navigating a team with little depth. Just like Haskins, he had a great pulse for his team, and was even keel with his emotions.
● O’Bannon left it all on the line in his final college game. He was brilliant, the best player on the court in my opinion.
● Dollar’s quite second half really hurt the Bruins, especially with McCoy out. While Toby Bailey (21 points) had a nice overall game, his scoring was too up and down for my liking.
● How cool was the Gophers’ celebration, when Ryan noted how Tarver had come to the CBS broadcasting booth to pull out McGuire, who was famous for dancing with the team who won the regional. Just ask Syracuse back in 1996.
Player You Should Watch in 2017: Minnesota’s Quincy Lewis was fantastic, scoring off drives, offensive rebounds and from the free throw line in the second half, while having a big impact on the defensive end. Lewis truly lived up to his reputation as “Instant Offense” during this game and saved the Gophers’ season. Fast forward to @46:55, when Jacobson picked up that third foul, and you'll quickly see Lewis' impact on not only both ends of the floor but emotionally for the Golden Gophers.
What Stood Out During This Watch:
● The pro-Minnesota crowd made this feel like a road game for the Bruins, who thrived as the underdog.
● While Jackson and Jacobson are the names first remembered from this Minnesota team, the Golden Gophers don’t reach the Final Four without its bench play from Lewis, Thomas and Tarver. Lewis and Thomas were fearless in the second half, taking and making big shots, while Tarver showed some deft passing while being the trailing option on the fast break.
● Jackson was really kept in check for most of the game, not scoring his first basket of the second-half until @1:07:24. Also surprising about this game and the Sweet Sixteen contest against Iowa State was how good a rebounder Jackson was for his generous 6’0 listing.
● While frustrated this game, Jacobson was still capable of quick scoring bursts, as seen @1:04:42 and @1:05:57. Jacobson never lacked confidence when it came to his scoring ability, as this game showed.
● Minnesota head coach Clem Haskins pushed all the right buttons in the second half, going with the hot play of Lewis, Thomas and even Tarver to get the Gophers back in the game. For a man seeking his first Final Four, Haskins was smooth and composed all night long. He really built a nice squad in 1996/1997.
● The same goes for Lavin, who developed a reputation as an underachieving coach whose talented teams never reached their full capabilities. In his first season with the Bruins, Lavin did a great job navigating a team with little depth. Just like Haskins, he had a great pulse for his team, and was even keel with his emotions.
● O’Bannon left it all on the line in his final college game. He was brilliant, the best player on the court in my opinion.
● Dollar’s quite second half really hurt the Bruins, especially with McCoy out. While Toby Bailey (21 points) had a nice overall game, his scoring was too up and down for my liking.
● How cool was the Gophers’ celebration, when Ryan noted how Tarver had come to the CBS broadcasting booth to pull out McGuire, who was famous for dancing with the team who won the regional. Just ask Syracuse back in 1996.
All in all, this was a really fun game to watch in 1997, and that again proved to be the case for me in 2016.
Related Watch: Here are videos from Minnesota's 1990 Elite Eight appearance and UCLA's 1995 Final Four appearance.
| |