In 1983, the NC State Wolfpack notably played the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game. This game culminated in a memorable upset victory for NC State.
The Historic 1983 NCAA Championship Game
The 1983 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game featured a compelling matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Houston Cougars. NC State, coached by the charismatic Jim Valvano, entered the game as a significant underdog against the powerhouse Houston team, famously known as "Phi Slama Jama," led by coach Guy Lewis.
The game was a closely contested battle, with NC State ultimately pulling off a stunning upset. The Wolfpack secured the national title by defeating the Cougars with a final score of 54-52. This victory is widely regarded as one of the most iconic moments in NCAA tournament history, celebrated for its dramatic finish and NC State's improbable journey to the championship.
Championship Game Details
The table below provides a summary of the key information from the 1983 NCAA Championship Game:
Team | Conference | Score | Head Coach |
---|---|---|---|
NC State Wolfpack | ACC | 54 | Jim Valvano |
Houston Cougars | SWC | 52 | Guy Lewis |
This championship win marked NC State's second NCAA men's basketball title, cementing their place in college basketball lore.