On this date 45 years ago, more than 16,000 people packed Freedom Hall to watch the Kentucky Colonels defeat the Indiana Pacers 110-105 in Game 5 of the 1975 ABA Championship.
Coached by Hubie Brown, the Colonels were led by Artis Gilmore, a sensational seven-footer with an enormous afro. Named MVP of the series, Gilmore had 28 points, 31 rebounds and three blocked shots in the series clinching win.
Two of Gilmore’s greatest teammates were former Wildcats. Each player recorded a double-double in the final game of the series. Dan Issel had 16 points and 12 rebounds while Louie Dampier finished with 12 points and 12 assists.