1963 NCAA University Division basketball tournament
The 1963 NCAA University Division basketball tournament involved 25 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States. It began on March 9, 1963, and ended with the championship game on March 23 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 29 games were played, including a third-place game in each region and a national third-place game.
Cover from the official program
1963 NCAA University Division basketball championship game
The 1963 NCAA University Division basketball championship game was the final of the 1963 NCAA University Division basketball tournament and determined the national champion in the 1962–63 NCAA University Division men's basketball season. The game was held on March 23, 1963, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. The matchup pitted the Loyola Ramblers, who were making their first NCAA tournament appearance, against the Cincinnati Bearcats, the two-time defending national champions. After trailing by 15 points in the second half, Loyola rallied to force an overtime period, and won the game 60–58 on a basket by Vic Rouse with one second left. The Ramblers earned their first championship in men's college basketball.
Freedom Hall circa 1963
Cincinnati's leading scorer Ron Bonham
Loyola captain Jerry Harkness earning a lay-up against Mississippi State in the Game of Change earlier in the tournament
Larry Shingleton of Cincinnati drives to the basket.