A History Lesson

In 1979 the greatest college basketball game was supposedly played. Michigan State, led by Ervin "Magic" Johnson took on Larry "Before he was Legend" Bird and the Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA Final. I was born in 1985, so I have no knowledge of watching the game as it happens. Though reading sports history books and yes they do exist, this game was held in high regard as being a legendary match up, the Chamberlain / Russell Light.


However, if you actually watch the game and I have, own it to on DVD, this was such a poor contest. Bird had a poor night shooting, despite having a great tournament. Johnson was the star of the game, but he had some help. Greg Kelser, his downlow play and some razzle dazzle from Johnson helped destroy an out matched Sycamore team.

I'm not going to bore you with stats from the game, but Indiana State played a tight game early on, but it quick slipped away from them. By the second half, the Sycamores tried to reduce the Spartan lead, but the closest they got was six and it was well over.

Though, luckily our technology has allowed us to start mass producing old games, so I can watch them. It is interesting because when I bought it, I had my heart set on a great game. Boy was I wrong. Michigan State was just dominant and it really goes to prove that, if we reviewed these games, I think we'd get an appreciation for the games.

I see that one of my favorite stores, Distant Replays, now sells DVD's. I urge you to consider buying some of the old games, it would give you a real perspective on legendary match ups and the heroes of the game. For instance, you can understand how overrated Howard Cosell is, especially if you don't live in a YES Network region and can't watch Game 5 of the 1976 ALCS.

Sal Says: Buy the 1979 Final, check out the Gumbel mini afro.