On January 20, 1968: In a basketball game that makes fans in Texas forget football temporarily, No. 2 and undefeated Houston ends No. 1 UCLA’s 47-game winning streak with a 71-69 victory at the Astrodome before 52,693, at the time the largest crowd to see a college basketball game. Houston forward Elvin Hayes outplays UCLA star Lew Alcindor, who is returning after missing two games with an injury to his left eye and is still bothered by the injury. The Big E outscores Alcindor 39-15 and hits two free throws with 28 seconds left to snap a 69-69 tie. In Houston’s 18th straight win, Hayes makes 17-of-25 field goals, grabs 15 rebounds and blocks four shots, although playing the last 11 minutes with four fouls. A sluggish Alcindor shoots 4-of-15 from the field and has 12 rebounds. UCLA will gain its revenge in the Final Four, routing Houston, 101-69, in the semis. Alcindor will score 19 points and grab 18 rebounds compared to Hayes’ 10 points and five rebounds.
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