It Was 27 Years Ago Today ...
On March 14, 1981, U.S. Reed hit what is undoubtedly the most memorable buzzer-beater in Razorback history: a half-court bomb that knocked defending national champion Louisville out of the NCAA Tournament and propelled the Hogs into the Sweet Sixteen.
Another indelible moment took place seconds later when the NBC cameras showed then-Texas coach Abe Lemons (the game was played in Austin) joining a group of Razorback fans for a post-game, celebratory Hog call. Abe, who unfortunately passed away in 2002, was quite simply the wittiest basketball coach I've ever seen and one of the game's true characters. I always think of him when I see clips of Reed's shot.
I think the only truly appropriate way to mark the anniversary is for one of the current Hogs to beat Vandy today on an identical shot. I don't think that's asking too much. Anyhoo, if you happen to run into U.S. today, be sure and buy him a beer and give him a hearty thanks for the memories.
[Note: the above picture was taken from the back cover of the 1981-82 Razorback basketball media guide; to see the shot in all of its glory (and to hear Paul Eells' thrilling radio call), just click here. And click here for the box score of the game.]
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Ironically, Eddie Sutton was reluctant to recruit U.S. Reed because he was concerned about his outside shot. I guess there was not much occasion in high school for Reed to show off his half-court buzzer beater skills.
Thanks for mentioning Abe Lemons, who once quipped that just one time against Arkansas he would like to be far enough ahead to have all five of his players flop like they had been poleaxed on a Razorback’s drive to the basket.
by Whit E. Knight on Mar 14, 2008 1:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I NEVER get tired of watching that shot.
by Michael on Mar 14, 2008 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Whit,
I love Abe Lemons.
One of my favorite quips of his was made after Ron Brewer accumulated a somewhat eyebrow-raising amount of credits during one session of summer school at an Idaho junior college.
Lemons, according to Pat Foster, remarked, “Hell, if he’d been there all summer, he would have ended up with a master’s degree.”
by Stephen on Mar 14, 2008 10:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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