Round One: Doodlebugger vs. Uvaman123

My favorite memory of Notre Dame is the first college basketball game I ever went to, as a High School Sophomore, in 1981.  My Dad and I drove to the <st1:placename w:st="on"> Horizon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on"> Center</st1:placetype> in <st1:place w:st="on"> <st1:city w:st="on"> Rosemont</st1:city> , <st1:state w:st="on"> Illinois</st1:state> </st1:place> to watch the Irish take on the undefeated Cavaliers (28 game streak) led by POY Ralph Sampson.  The game was a nail biter from start to finish until Woolridge hit a Jordanesque turn-around fade-away jumper with no-time left for a one-point victory.  We jumped, screamed and hugged in victory.  If you would like to re-live the moment, check out youtube “Notre Dame Virginia 1981.”

My favorite memory of Notre Dame is the first college basketball game I ever went to, as a High School Sophomore, in 1981.  My Dad and I drove to the Horizon Center in Rosemont, Illinois to watch the Irish take on the undefeated Cavaliers (28 game streak) led by POY Ralph Sampson.  The game was a nail biter from start to finish until Woolridge hit a Jordanesque turn-around fade-away jumper with no-time left for a one-point victory.  We jumped, screamed and hugged in victory.  If you would like to re-live the moment, check out youtube “Notre Dame Virginia 1981.”

 uvaman123, As a Uconn fan i remember that run too,and even though it hurts you get my vote.nice essay.

I placed my vote and wish you both the best of luck. I vaguely remember woolridge's shot, but my father was always a Notre Dame fan, so we always watched when their football or basketball teams were on tv.

And Mason's run to the Final 4 was absolutely magical.  During the regular season that year, they suffered so many losses to teams who were far less talented than the teams they beat in the tourney; so much so that I do not see how anyone could have forseen that run coming.  Beating Michigan State, North Carolina and UConn was truly outstanding.  And knowing that they lost to the eventual champion Florida, George Mason could actually make a case for being the #2 team in the nation in 2006! 

Anyone who did not know Jim Larranaga prior to 2006, surely knew who he was after.  He became a legend over the course of about 2 weeks.

Anyways, great essays guys, fun read.  I love the strolls down memory lane.

I'm representing Portland State and we have the tough task of being the first 16-seed to knock off a 1-seed.  Go Vikes!!

Just for fun, a couple of other great moments in ND history.

Notre Dame scores the last 12 points against UCLA in 1974 to win by one and end their 88 game winning streak.  Notre Dame was also the last team to beat UCLA prior to the 88 game winning streak.  This one was a bit before my time or it likely would have been number one.

Notre Dame comes back from 16 points down to beat previously undefeated and number one ranked North Carolina in 1987.  Not nearly as dramatic as the UCLA or Virginia victory, but a nail biter from beginning to end.

Notre Dame beats #1 ranked and undefeated University of San Fransisco in the last regular season game of 1977.  Another big upset that kept ND on the basketball map.  Before my time and not a close game for most of the second half, but truly a defining moment in the program.

Man ND fan you Moved me.... Father and SON and all... you got the Trojan Vote... and also i want to see your skills on the NEXT TOPIC!!

See the USC v. KSU battle  I think you will enjoy what appears the SECOND most Contested Matchup...

I went old school will my USC 67-71 College undergrad days  v. UCLA and Wooden teams!!

Good Luck and see ya 11/29 in LA COL!!

Fight ON!!

Speaking of UCLA... that Adrian Dantly stopping of the 88 Game win streak just motivated that TEAM more to WIN!!  Thanks ND for continuing the WOODEN UCLA BB Dynasty!!

Fight ON!!

nail-b