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Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Irish end UCLA's 88-game win streak
By Larry Schwartz
Special to ESPN.com


Jan. 19, 1974

Three weeks after Notre Dame's football team becomes No. 1 by beating Alabama in a thrilling Sugar Bowl, the Irish score their greatest basketball victory when they end UCLA's record 88-game winning streak in an equally magnificent contest.

Down by 11 points with 3 1/2 minutes left, Notre Dame's press causes UCLA to panic. The No. 2-ranked and undefeated Irish score the game's final 12 points, capped by Dwight Clay's jumper from the right corner with 29 seconds left, to gain a stunning 71-70 victory over the Walton Gang.

UCLA, which had set the collegiate record with 61 consecutive victories by winning in South Bend a year ago, is doomed to have its streak end on the same court. It's the first loss for UCLA since Jan. 23, 1971 when the Bruins were beaten 89-82 by -- who else? -- Notre Dame, also on this court.

In the final seconds, Bill Walton, playing all 40 minutes after missing three games with a back injury, misses a 12-footer (only his second misfire in 14 field-goal attempts) and two Bruin follow-ups also fail. When it's over, Notre Dame center John Shumate (24 points, 11 rebounds) says he couldn't breathe, guard Gary Brokaw (game-high 25 points) says he couldn't believe it and Clay (1-of-4 before the game-winning shot) says Amen.





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