Who Won the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship?

By Sarah Miller · June 17, 2045

The 1966 NCAA basketball championship was won by the Texas Western College Miners, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). They made history by defeating the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats 72–65 in the final game on March 19, 1966. This victory was not only a major sports upset but also a landmark moment in American social history, as Texas Western started five African American players—the first team to do so in an NCAA championship game—against an all-white Kentucky squad coached by Adolph Rupp.

Historical Context of the 1966 NCAA Championship

The 1966 NCAA University Division basketball tournament culminated in one of the most significant games in college basketball history. At a time when racial segregation still influenced many aspects of American life, the championship game between Texas Western and Kentucky transcended sports.

Racial Significance and Cultural Impact

Texas Western's starting lineup included five Black players: Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Orsten Artis, Harry Flournoy, and Willie Worsley.
Kentucky, under legendary coach Adolph Rupp, did not start any Black players and had been slow to integrate its program.
The victory challenged prevailing biases about race and athletic leadership, influencing integration across college sports in the South.
The story was later dramatized in the 2006 film Glory Road, bringing renewed attention to the event.

Game Summary: Texas Western vs. Kentucky

Held at Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland, the 1966 title game featured a disciplined Texas Western team that executed a fast-paced, defensive-oriented strategy under head coach Don Haskins.

Key Moments from the Final Game

Texas Western took an early lead and maintained control for much of the game.
Bobby Joe Hill scored 20 points, including crucial baskets in the second half.
Kentucky struggled to adapt to Texas Western’s pressure defense and transition offense.

Player	Position	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Bobby Joe Hill	Guard	20	4	3
David Lattin	Forward	14	13	1
Orsten Artis	Guard	9	5	2
Harry Flournoy	Forward	9	8	0
Willie Worsley	Guard	7	4	1
Nevil Shed	Guard	7	4	2
Pete Tillman	Center	6	8	0

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical performance highlights Texas Western’s balanced scoring and strong rebounding. David Lattin’s double-double (14 points, 13 rebounds) underscored the team’s dominance inside, while Bobby Joe Hill’s quickness disrupted Kentucky’s backcourt. The distribution of points across seven players illustrates the depth and cohesion of Coach Haskins’ rotation.

Tournament Path to the Championship

Texas Western entered the tournament ranked No. 3 nationally and advanced through a competitive bracket:

First Round: Defeated Oklahoma City, 82–63
Regional Semifinal: Beat Cincinnati, 77–64
Regional Final: Overcame Kansas, 81–80 in overtime
National Final: Defeated Kentucky, 72–65

Coach Don Haskins' Strategy

Known as "The Bear," Don Haskins emphasized defense, discipline, and equal opportunity. His decision to start five Black players was based purely on merit, not activism—yet it became a defining civil rights moment in sports. Haskins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Legacy of the 1966 NCAA Champions

The 1966 Texas Western team changed the landscape of college athletics. Their win accelerated integration in Southern college programs and inspired future generations of athletes regardless of race.

In 2007, the entire starting lineup and Coach Haskins were honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
UTEP retired the jerseys of all five starters.
The NCAA recognized the game as one of the most influential in its century-long history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship

Who won the 1966 NCAA basketball championship?

The Texas Western College Miners, now known as UTEP, won the 1966 NCAA basketball championship by defeating the University of Kentucky 72–65.

Why was the 1966 NCAA championship game historically important?

It was the first time a team with five Black starters won the national title, challenging racial norms in collegiate sports and contributing to the integration of Southern basketball programs.

Who was the coach of the 1966 Texas Western team?

Don Haskins was the head coach of the Texas Western Miners during their 1966 championship season.

Did Kentucky have any Black players in the 1966 championship game?

No, the University of Kentucky team did not start any Black players in the 1966 final. Their roster consisted entirely of white players, which contrasted sharply with Texas Western’s integrated lineup.