The 1939 NCAA Basketball Championship Game marked a significant milestone in college sports history as it was the first-ever NCAA tournament title game. Held on March 27, 1939, at Patten Gymnasium in Evanston, Illinois, this game set the stage for what would become a major annual event in college basketball. The Oregon Webfoots faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes, with Oregon emerging victorious with a 46-33 win. This article delves into the details
of this historic game and its impact on college basketball.
The Road to the Championship
The 1939 NCAA tournament was the first of its kind, organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The tournament featured an eight-team field, with teams divided into East and West regions. The Ohio State Buckeyes, champions of the Big Ten Conference, and the Oregon Webfoots, winners of the Pacific Coast Conference, were among the teams that made it to the final game. The tournament's creation was proposed by Ohio State coach Harold Olsen, and it was approved by the NCAA with the condition that it be run by the NABC.
The selection process for the tournament involved each of the NCAA's eight geographic districts selecting a representative team. Ohio State was not the first choice for their district, as Bradley was initially invited but declined in favor of the National Invitation Tournament. Oregon, on the other hand, secured their spot by winning the Pacific Coast Conference championship series against California.
The Game Itself
The championship game was held at Patten Gymnasium, with attendance figures ranging from 4,400 to 5,500. The game was not a sellout, but it attracted significant attention, including the presence of basketball's inventor, James Naismith. Oregon took an early lead, with Bobby Anet scoring the first points. The Webfoots maintained a fast-paced style of play, which the Buckeyes struggled to match. Despite Ohio State's efforts to rally, Oregon's strategic play and scoring ability kept them ahead.
In the second half, Ohio State managed to close the gap to a single point, but Oregon quickly extended their lead. The Webfoots entered a stall strategy, keeping the ball away from Ohio State and maintaining a double-digit lead until the end. Anet, who played a crucial role in the game, received the championship trophy on behalf of Oregon.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The 1939 NCAA tournament did not generate high attendance figures, resulting in financial losses for the NABC. However, the NCAA agreed to take over the tournament's organization and financial backing, ensuring its continuation. This decision paved the way for the NCAA tournament to become a staple of college basketball.
For Ohio State, the loss was a setback, but they would eventually win their only championship in 1960. Oregon, despite their success in 1939, did not return to the Final Four until 2017. The inaugural championship game remains a significant event in the history of college basketball, marking the beginning of what is now known as March Madness.
