Home / Sports / Iceman Clay Ends UCLA Dynasty in 1974 Classic
Iceman Clay Ends UCLA Dynasty in 1974 Classic
17 Mar
Summary
- Dwight Clay's late jump shot ended UCLA's 88-game winning streak.
- The game took place in January 1974, with Notre Dame winning 71-70.
- This loss ignited belief and contributed to NC State winning the championship that season.
In January 1974, a remarkable college basketball game saw Notre Dame achieve a historic upset against the seemingly invincible UCLA Bruins. UCLA entered the contest with an astounding 88-game winning streak, having not lost a game in 1,092 days and having won seven consecutive NCAA championships.
The Bruins appeared poised to extend their dominance, holding an 11-point lead with just over three minutes left in the game. However, Notre Dame, under coach Digger Phelps, initiated a pressing defense that chipped away at the deficit.
With only 21 seconds remaining, Notre Dame's junior guard Dwight "Iceman" Clay, known for his clutch performances, sank a crucial jump shot from the right corner. This basket proved to be the decisive moment, giving Notre Dame a 71-70 lead.
When UCLA failed to score in response, Clay's shot became legendary. The defeat of UCLA's dynasty not only ended an era but also ignited belief across college basketball that other teams could achieve victory against seemingly unbeatable opponents. This shift in perception contributed to NC State winning the championship that season, and no team would repeat as champions for two decades.
