Springfield College celebrating victory against Dr. J and the University of Massachusetts, February 23, 1971
Description:
A photograph of fans rushing the court at Springfield College's victory of Dr. J., Julius Erving, and the University of Massachusetts. The game took place in the Memorial Field House on the campus of Springfield College on February 23, 1971. The photograph is taken from the far side of the court and shows fans rushing the court to congratulate the players. The scoreboard above shows the school, 63 to 62. There is typed heading glued to the photographic print that says, "February 23, 1971 / Springfield 63 - University of Massachusetts 62.". According to the 1971 Massasoit, the men’s basketball team only played the University of Massachusetts once that year; Springfield College won 63-62. The three thousand fans who packed the Memorial Field House that night were there to see Julius Erving, or Dr. J as he came to be known, who was the number one college basketball player in the nation at the time and who averaged thirty points per game. Only seven men from Springfield College played that night: Judd Hunt, Fran Stupakevich, Dana Anderson, Jim Grassi, Rich Hundley, Brad Macomber, and team captain Steve Waterman. Erving led both teams in rebounds, but hunt and Macomber were not far behind. Waterman scored thirty points, while Macomber held Erving to eighteen points, his lowest total for the year. Under the leadership of Coach Edward R. Bilik and Assistant Coach Ray Gilbert, the team went 17-7 that season. Ken Hashagen was the team’s manager during that season. Edward Bilik coached at Springfield College for twenty seasons (1966-1986) and had a total record of 322-196 (.622 winning percentage).
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
