2. Dwight Smith
29 points, 5 Rebounds – (March 7, 1966) (WKU 105 – Loyola (Ill.) 86)
In one of the greatest team perofrmances in WKU history, Hilltopper legend Dwight Smith played one of the finest games of his career. In a first round matchup with 4th-ranked Loyola (Ill.) at Kent, Ohio, the Hilltoppers played with a chip on their shoulders.
Unranked with a record of 23-2 coming into the game, Western completely outclassed the Ramblers and beat them at their own game of speed and quickness.
Smith scored a game-high 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the floor and 5-of-6 shooting from the free throw line. Probably the best defender in WKU history, Smith’s defensive prowess against the Loyola guards was another key factor in the Hilltoppers’ thrashing of the Ramblers.
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#9 Most Memorable NCAA Tournament Game Performance
As an undergraduate at western, I was at this game in Iowa City, the e
#9 Most Memorable NCAA Tournament Game Performance
This is Andy Cunningham, Steve's son. If you go to YouTube.com and ty
#2 Most Memorable NCAA Tournament Individual Performance by a Hilltopper
I had the opportunity to be a team member, and friend of the greatest
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Danny Beavers
Dwight was a gentleman as well as a great basketball player… he absolutely intimidated Chicago Loyola’s All-American candidate and leading scorer… I think his name was Billy Ray Smith… stole the ball from him the first three times he tried to bring it up the floor, and took it in for a layup…
Robert Bantom
I had the opportunity to be a team member, and friend of the greatest NCAA basketball program in 1965-66. As a freshman for the 1964-65 year, I was able to get a good amount of playing time. During the 1965-66 season my playing time was limited with the likes of Clem “The Gem” Haskins, Wayne Chapman, Dwight and Greg Smith. That never affected anyone on this team, we deeply respected the skills of these men and the wonderful coaching staff. Personally, I experienced a great deal of respect for all of the members of this team, first as good and respectable men, second as caring and loving family men, and third as very dedicated basketball players. That tragic call in Iowa City in the NCAA playoffs with Michigan really took away the soul of many people from WKU. I was emotionally effected and spent almost 2 hours walking the streets of Iowa City in the rain with Clem Haskins. Clem, Dwight, Wayne and Greg were able to handle this tragic moment in my life with class and hard work. I had succumbed to that event and gave college basketball up for good. That day took away my soul!! Then, the horrible accident with the loss of Dwight and his sister. When people are that good and things like this happen it really hurts. But God provides us with lessons and solutions to just “life” in general. We need to find a way to let go. For this great bunch of men and their families I am still very deeply dedicated to their goodness. I am blessed. Robert Bantom #30