9. Steve Cunningham
24 points – (March 11, 1966 )
(Michigan 80 – WKU 79)
In the most infamous game in WKU history, 6’5″ Hilltopper senior center Steve Cunningham played one of his finest games. The Chaffee, Missouri native poured in 24 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the floor and 2-of-4 from the free throw line versus the #9 ranked Wolverines.
Cunningham’s 15-footer with 24 seconds remaining gave the Hilltoppers a 79-78 lead and then with 16 seconds remaining Topper forward Wayne Chapman swiped a Wolverine pass and was fouled by a disgusted Michigan player. Chapman missed the free throw attempt and Hilltopper forward Greg Smith was tied up by a Michigan player after grabbing the rebound. On the ensuing jumpball a foul was called on Smith while he was in the air going for the tip. All-American Cazzie Russell went to the free throw line where he sank two shots with just 11 seconds remaining giving the Wolverines an 80-79 lead.
Clem Haskins missed a 17-footer with 3 seconds left in the game that would have won it for the Hilltoppers and set up the first-ever meeting between WKU and uk.
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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
I’d like to see a replay video of the WKU – Michigan game…. The Toppers were the crowd favorite of that tournament…. and Greg actually got fouled on the jump ball … the ref, Steve Honzo had to be on the take to make the stupid call…
Andy Cunningham
This is Andy Cunningham, Steve’s son. If you go to YouTube.com and type in a search for the 1966 WKU/Michigan game, you will find the entire second half, minus sound. It even slows down the infamous jump ball, botched by referee Steve Honzo…Clem Haskins calls the two Cazzie Russell free throws resulting in the game “the worst call in NCAA history”
George Smith
As an undergraduate at western, I was at this game in Iowa City, the ending was devastating. Stood outside the locker room after the game, everyone very sad including Dr. Kelly Thompson and Coach Diddle. We all wanted the Cats the next night, it would have been the year for WKU to win the NCAA. It was a very skilled team, Haskins, Chapman, the Smiths, Cunningham and the bench. What an exciting time to be at Western.
We’ve all made mistakes in life but Honzo, phew, that bad call affected so many people.