The memories will come flooding back for University of Louisville basketball fans who were fortunate enough to be around for the 1985-86 season, especially for the final regular season game against Memphis State at Freedom Hall.

UofL with Pervis Ellison, Billy Thompson, Milt Wagner, Jeff Hall and Tony Kimbro. Denny Crum coaching, with Bobby Dotson and Wade Houston assisting, Dr. Rudy Ellis, the trainer, and John Tong the public address announcer.

Memphis coached by Dana Kirk, a former UofL assistant, with such players as Andre Turner and Baskerville Holmes.

The game will come down to the final second, the outcome deciding the Metro Conference champion.

Thanks to Justin Bowen

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

One thought on “1986 NCAA champs survived Memphis State scare”
  1. I’ll never forget the final game we played in C-USA down there in the tournament against UM in the Fed Ex Forum. The missed free throws at the end by the Memphis player. The incredible win. I bought a black plastic bracelet from one of the cheerleaders before the game and still wear it from time to time. Silky Sullivan’s bar across the street.

    Good times.

    Paulie

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