NEPD Staff Writer CJ Sousa
Oregon. Ohio State. Truly pioneers of the collegiate national championship. As the world was approaching a devastating second World War, Oregon and Ohio State were set to make a different kind of history. The two schools met in the 1939 National Championship game in the first ever NCAA men’s basketball tournament (NABC at the time). In front of a crowd of just over 15,000 people, Oregon prevailed over the Buckeyes 46-33.
Now, will a basketball game played 75 years ago impact what happens in Jerry World Monday night? Probably not. Nonetheless it is extremely ironic as the same two schools will meet in the first ever National Championship game in the playoff era. (more…)