1964 was a year of change for Western Kentucky as Coach John Oldham took over the Hilltopper Basketball program from E.A. Diddle and sophomores Clem Haskins and Dwight Smith became the first black athletes to play varsity basketball on the Hill.

The trio led the Toppers to an 18-9 record and a trip to the NIT in Madison Square Garden in New York. After defeating Fordham 57-53 in the opening round Western fell to a very talented Army team 58-54 in the quarterfinals. Army was led by a former Kentucky All-State player by the name of Mike Silliman.

Here is some game action complete with play-by-play from Ken Givens from that matchup.