UCLA's 88-Game Winning Streak
Two Undefeated NCAA Crowns During Nearly Three Perfect Years
From January 23, 1971 to January 19, 1974, John Wooden's UCLA Bruins were perfect, becoming the only men's college basketball team ever to post back-to-back undefeated seasons and putting together an 88-game winning streak. Notre Dame would end the historic run.
January 23, 1971 - Last Previous Loss
UCLA had already won the past four NCAA titles and was ranked No. 1 heading to South Bend, Ind. to play Notre Dame. But Austin Carr poured in 46 points and the Fighting Irish shocked the Bruins 89-81. It was UCLA's first loss of the season and snapped a 19-game winning streak dating back to the 1969-70 season. The loss was also UCLA's first to a non-conference foe since losing to Elvin Hayes and Houston on January 20, 1968.
Streak Starts
The Bruins bounced back and beat California State at Santa Barbara to begin a winning streak unmatched in college basketball history. John Wooden's UCLA would win their final 15 games of the 1970-71 season, which was culminated by a 68-62 win over Villanova for UCLA's fifth straight NCAA crown.
Two Straight Undefeated Titles
The Bill Walton era began in 1971-72, and the big man averaged 21.5 points and 15.5 rebounds in guiding UCLA to a perfect 30-0 record and an 81-76 victory over Florida State in the NCAA title game for the Bruins' sixth consecutive crown.
UCLA won number seven in a row in 1972-73 as Walton averaged 20.4 points, 16.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists as the Bruins again went 30-0 and blasted past Memphis State 87-66 to become the first school with back-to-back undefeated seasons. In the final, Walton made 21 of 22 shots in collecting 44 points and 13 rebounds.
13 More Wins To Start 1973-74 Season
The Bruins were cruising right along to start the 1973-74 season, winning their first 13 games of the season by a margin of 26.5 points to earn the No. 1 ranking. And then there was a match-up at No. 2-ranked Notre Dame - having won the last 88 games in a row.
Impossible Irish Comeback
UCLA controlled the game and led by as many as 17 points in the first half. And the Bruins were still leading 70-59 with 3:30 remaining in the game. But Wooden's men then collapsed, turning the ball over four times and missed six shots as the Fighting Irish out-scored the Bruins 12-0 for the win.
John Shumate scored two quick baskets, freshman Adrian Dantley stole a pass and hit a layup and then Gary Brokaw knocked down two short jumpers to make it 70-69 with 1:10 left. UCLA forward Keith Wilkes made a lay-up with 45 seconds to play but was called for travelling and the basket was disallowed.
Dwight "Iceman" Clay's Heroics
During the 1972-73 season, Notre Dame's Dwight Clay knocked down a late basket to help the Fighting Irish beat Marquette and end the Warriors' 81-game home court winning streak - which gave him the nickname "Iceman". Against UCLA, Clay then drained a jumper from the right corner with 28 seconds to play for the 71-70 lead.
Tommy Curtis then missed a long jumper for UCLA and two Bruin tips failed before UCLA got the ball back with six seconds remaining. Walton missed a short jumper and then Pete Trgovich and Dave Myers both were off on tips as Notre Dame secured the rebound and the upset.
UCLA Bounced Back
Wooden's men bounced back and got their revenge a week later on January 26 by thrashing Notre Dame at Pauley Pavilion 94-75 as Walton tallied 32 points and 17-year-old Marques Johnson - the first freshman to start in Wooden's 26-year career at UCLA - hit for 16 points.
Here is a breakdown of the teams UCLA beat during the streak
6 times - California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, Washington, Washington State
4 times - Notre Dame
2 times - Cal. St. Barbara, Chicago Loyola, Iowa, Long Beach St., San Francisco
1 time - Arizona St., Arkansas, Bradley, BYU, Citadel, Denver, Drake, Florida State, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa St., Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Memphis, Michigan, NC State, Ohio, Ohio St., Pacific, Pittsburgh, Providence, Santa Clara, SMU, St. Bonaventure, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Villanova, Weber St., Wisconsin, Wyoming
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