A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
Who is ready for some March Madness, BYU-style?
On March 19, 1981, both the BYU and Utah men’s basketball squads were set for NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 games. The Cougars and Utes were taking on college basketball’s blue bloods for a shot at the Elite 8.
But while the Utes didn’t get it done on their home court, losing to North Carolina 61-56 in the Huntsman Center, the Cougars and specifically Danny Ainge danced their way into NCAA history.
Ainge took on an entire Notre Dame defense with eight seconds left, scoring a basket in the final seconds to beat the Irish 51-50 and into the regional championship.
“Ainge’s mad dash sets up BYU-Cavs,” read the Deseret News headline.
“When Danny Ainge took the inbounds pass Thursday, 85 feet and 8 seconds away from a loss, it wasn’t fair. It was one-on-five, and have mercy on the five in his way,” wrote sports writer Brad Rock.
“He never stopped to consider there were 15,461 fans in the arena, millions of televisions viewers, nine other players and two head coaches who exactly what his plans were. He only knew he was going for a basket and BYU was going to win 51-50 over Notre Dame to gain a berth in Saturday’s East Regional championship game against Virginia.”
For the record, the Ralph Sampson-led Virginia squad defeated BYU 74-60 two days later to advance to the Final Four. Indiana and MVP Isiah Thomas defeated North Carolina in the championship game a week later.
But the Cougars and their fans enjoyed the magical win.
BYU’s 1981 squad was honored at a Marriott Center game in 2022. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the drive, the game, the team and NCAA March Madness:
“How the 1981 Elite Eight basketball team was part of ‘14 months of glory’ at BYU”
“Danny Ainge on legacy of Elite Eight team — and his investment in BYU basketball”
“28 years strong, BYU broadcasting’s 1-2 punch is still delivering”
“Today in sports: Ainge’s drive leads to BYU Sweet 16 win”
"Ainge, ‘underachieving’ 1981 Cougs honored”
“What Danny Ainge means to a former BYU great”
“BYU heading into its 30th NCAA Tournament; Here’s a look at Cougars’ colorful history in Big Dance”
“Danny Ainge is driving to the rim once again”
“Cougars hire Greg Kite as assistant hoop coach”
“Bingham’s Fred Roberts finding a home as starter in Milwaukee”
Correction: A previous headline for this story listed the 1980 NCAA tourney. BYU’s 1980-81 team competed in the 1981 NCAA tourney