The 1939 NCAA Basketball Championship Game was a pivotal moment for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who reached the final in the first-ever NCAA tournament. Coached by Harold Olsen, the Buckeyes faced the Oregon Webfoots in the championship game held at Patten Gymnasium in Evanston, Illinois. Although Ohio State fell short with a 46-33 loss, their journey to the final was marked by determination and skill. This article explores Ohio State's path to the championship game and their performance
in the tournament.
The Buckeyes' Season and Tournament Path
The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by coach Harold Olsen, had a strong 1938-39 season, finishing with a 16-6 record. The team was captained by senior Jimmy Hull, a guard who made the All-Big 10 team. Other key players included center John Schick and guards Dick Baker and Bob Lynch.
Ohio State's journey to the NCAA tournament began with a successful Big Ten Conference campaign, where they clinched the title with a decisive win over Purdue. Despite being the second choice for their district's NCAA tournament invitation, the Buckeyes accepted the bid and advanced to the national semifinals after defeating Wake Forest and Villanova.
The Championship Game Against Oregon
In the championship game, Ohio State faced a formidable opponent in the Oregon Webfoots. The Buckeyes struggled to match Oregon's fast-paced style of play and fell behind early in the game. Despite their efforts to rally, Ohio State was unable to overcome Oregon's balanced scoring and strategic play.
In the second half, Ohio State managed to close the gap to a single point, but Oregon quickly extended their lead. The Webfoots employed a stall strategy, keeping the ball away from Ohio State and maintaining a double-digit lead until the end. Jimmy Hull, despite dealing with an ankle injury, was Ohio State's top scorer with 12 points.
Reflections on Ohio State's 1939 Run
Although Ohio State did not win the championship, their performance in the 1939 NCAA tournament was a testament to their skill and determination. The Buckeyes' journey to the final laid the groundwork for future successes, including their 1960 national championship win.
The 1939 championship game remains a significant event in Ohio State's basketball history, marking their first appearance in an NCAA tournament final. Despite the loss, the Buckeyes' efforts in the inaugural tournament contributed to the growth and popularity of college basketball, setting the stage for future generations of players and fans.
