The Epitome of March Madness. Revisiting Houston's 1983 Title Loss
Today marks 32 years since the University of Houston Cougars basketball team were stunned by N.C. State in the 1983 NCAA title game. A last second dunk by Wolfpack forward Lorenzo Charles would seal the 54-52 upset. The outcome set-up one of the most iconic moments in tournament history, when coach Jim Valvano ran around the floor looking for somebody to hug.
Between 1982 and 1984, the Houston basketball program was nicknamed "Phi Slamma Jamma" for their athletic, fast-paced style of play. The height of the success was reached in 1983 when the squad led by Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, Benny " Bomber from Bernice" and Michael "Silent Assassin" Young went 32-2 on way to the NCAA Final Four.
The team was ranked #1 in the polls all season and swept through the Southwest Confernce with a perfect 16-0 record. They outscored opponents that season by an average of 18 points. The only team that was expected to give the Coogs a game was the #2 Louisville "Doctors of Dunk". When the two teams clashed in the Final Four, the Coogs proved to much for the Cardinals to handle and outlasted them 94-81.
The winner of the Houston/Louisville game was expected to go on to win the championship. The 6th seeded Wolpack had defeated the #4 seed Georgia Bulldogs to make it to the final. As a matter of fact, the Pack have been living by the skin of their collective teeth. The team had survived by winning nine do-or-die games in a row, Seven in which they trailed in the last minute. A film featured on a ESPN 30 for 30 doc called "Survive & Advance" detailed the Wolfpack's remarkable run.
During the game the Wolfpack would control the game and keep the high scoring Coogs from running the fast paced style they were accustomed to. With 44 seconds left, it's tied, 52-all. The Wolfpack run the clock down to 44 seconds then call timeout to set up a final play.
Wolfpack guard Derrick Whittenburg throws up a 35 foot shot attempt with .02 seconds left. The ended up short however falling into the hands of Charles who takes it and slams home a dunk before time expires. Bedlam erupts and the Houston Cougars are left stunned.
The game will be remembered as one of the most famous in college basketball history.
