On March 24, 1962 All-american John Havlicek Wins
1962: In the second consecutive all-Ohio NCAA final, Cincinnati again upsets top-ranked Ohio State. The Bearcats keep their crown with a 71-59 victory in Louisville as center Paul Hogue outplays Jerry Lucas, the Buckeyes’ three-time All-American, who is hobbled by a knee injury suffered in last night’s semifinal.
The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Hogue, the only senior on Cincinnati’s starting five, is the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. He scores 22 points and grabs 19 rebounds in the final, compared to Lucas’ 11 points (5-of-17 from the field) and 16 rebounds. Lucas’ teammate, second-team All-American John Havlicek, also scores 11.
Cincinnati’s disciplined starting five of Hogue, clever guards Tom Thacker (21 points) and Tony Yates, and sophomore forwards Ron Bonham and George Wilson give an iron-man performance, with no subs playing until less than two minutes remain in the game. In winning their 18th consecutive game, coach Ed Jucker’s team finishes 29-2. Ohio State is 29-2, and 78-6 in the Lucas era.
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