The Cavalier daily :: Tuesday, December 12, 1967 :: University of Virginia Library

It began just like last year.
Norm Carmichael's father had his
same box seat in section six of
University Hall and returned with
an even more ferocious whistle
to harass the refs and support the
Cavaliers. The University Pep
Band played the same tune of
"Everything's Comin' Up Roses,"
which for the first time in many
years signified the "flower-power"
of the Virginia five. It began just
like last year—the Virginia basketball
home debut—but it ended quite
a bit different than in years past.

The Cavaliers astounded the
sparse crowd of loyal Virginia supporters
by upsetting South Carolina,
84-82. Never has University
Hall experienced such cheering
nor has it been a part to such
a victory. Frank McGuire's Gamecocks,
ranked number two in the
ACC in pre-season polls, fell to
a Virginia five that played as
though they didn't know they are
supposed to occupy the cellar of
their league.

A young sophomore, Tony
Kinn, who had trouble keeping
an excited grin off his face throughout
the game but no trouble in
pouring in twenty points, led the
Cavaliers in scoring. Norm Carmichael,
backed by his father's
ever-present whistle, possibly had
the best game of his career in
scoring 14 points before he fouled
out with five minutes left. Chip
Case and Mike Katos put in
performances that will no doubt
linger in the minds of those who
watched the two stars pump in
17 and 18 points respectively. And
Gary Laws, who is known as a
"sometimes-starter" displayed a
poise and ball-handling ability that
would make even famed Jim Connelly
look to him with respect.

Despite the surprising victory
and the outstanding individual efforts,
the Cavaliers almost fell
apart under the stress of a full-court
South Carolina press. After
leading 44-30 at half-time, the Virginia
cagers played a sloppy second
half to enable the Gamecocks to
eat away at the margin. Missed
passes, stolen balls, and an inability
at times to break the South
Carolina press characterized the
second twenty minutes. It was
not until the final buzzer rang
above a chorus of jubilant victory
yells that the win was assured.

With two minutes left in the
game the Gamecocks had fought
their way back to only a 79-74
deficit. During the next minute
two stolen passes and a Cavalier
missed shot gave South Carolina
an opportunity to come within
three points of Virginia at 81-78.

Coach Gibson then ordered his
charges into a freeze and the Gamecocks
committed two intentional
fouls which were the deciding
factors in the contest as Case hit
for two points, Laws hit for one,
and Coach McGuire hit for the
refs. It was only the latter that
was unsuccessful.

It began like last year, but
there was an undaunted whistle
and an inspired Cavalier team
that spelled victory for Coach
Gibson.