The Slap Heard ‘Round College Basketball
A heated rivalry between Indiana University and the University of Kentucky was ignited on December 7, 1974, when Bobby Knight, the fiery head coach of the Hoosiers, slapped Kentucky’s Joe B. Hall on the back of the head during a game in Bloomington, Indiana. The incident occurred with about two minutes left in the game, which Indiana won 98-74. Knight claimed the slap was a friendly gesture, but Hall felt publicly humiliated
The Aftermatch
Despite the tension between the two coaches, their teams met again in the 1975 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The undefeated Hoosiers, ranked No. 1, faced off against the No. 5 Wildcats in Dayton, Ohio. Kentucky’s team, led by Hall, was determined to exact revenge. They employed an unconventional strategy, with guards Mike Flynn and Jimmy Dan Conner getting the green light to shoot from anywhere on the court. The Wildcats’ big men were also instructed to be physical under the boards, with Hall coining the term “Operation Pancake” to describe their defensive approach
The Game
The game was an instant classic, with both teams displaying grit, skill, and determination. Kentucky’s Mike Flynn led the charge, scoring 22 points and waving the championship net in celebration after the final buzzer. The Wildcats ultimately won 92-90, handing Indiana their only loss of the season. The game marked a turning point in the Indiana-Kentucky rivalry, which continues to be one of the most heated and competitive in college hoops
Legacy
The 1975 incident and game have become an integral part of college basketball lore, symbolizing the intensity and passion of the sport. The rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky has endured for decades, with both teams frequently clashing on the court. The slap incident has also become a defining moment in Bobby Knight’s career, showcasing his intense competitiveness and sometimes volatile personality
