Assembly Hall remains a hallowed ground in college basketball history
The Indiana Hoosiers home court Assembly Hall is widely regarded as one of the most legendary and prestigious venues in college basketball, revered for its rich history filled with iconic games and passionate crowds! After officially opening in 1971, Assembly Hall has become synonymous with some of the most unforgettable moments in Big Ten history.
Assembly Hall has witnessed the rise of three national championship teams including the legendary 1976 Hoosiers squad, which is the last men's basketball team to finish with an undefeated season. On the way to a historic 32-0 record, Indiana center Kent Benson kept the unbeaten streak alive with a game-tying tip-in against the rival Michigan Wolverines.
It appeared the perfect season was going to end until Benson forced overtime, where the Hoosiers escaped with a thrilling 72-67 win. Indiana went onto face the Wolverines in the national championship game too, securing an 86-68 victory to complete the undefeated campaign as Benson eventually took home NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
Some other memorable moments in Assembly Hall history include Kirk Haston's game-winner to edge the top ranked Michigan State Spartans in 2000 and Christian Watford’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer to upset the top ranked Kentucky Wildcats in 2011, which reaffirmed the renowned venue as a place where legendary plays continue to take place!
The electric atmosphere and storied tradition makes Assembly Hall not just a historic home for the Hoosiers but a hallowed ground in college basketball lore. Assembly Hall remains a symbol of excellence and its impact on the sport is undeniable. Indiana is slated to host Michigan in a rematch of the 1976 national title game on Saturday at Assembly Hall.
Michigan head coach Dusty May will return to his alma mater after being a student manager with the Hoosiers from 1996 to 2000. May looked forward to his return to Indiana in a recent press conference: "It will be cool to walk in Assembly Hall where I've spent a lot of time but it is what it is. I'm going there to try to win a freaking basketball game. That's it."
