On March 27, 1978, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Duke University Blue Devils, 94-88, in the NCAA Championship game to earn UK its fifth title in school history.
The National Title game was played at The Checkerdome in St. Louis, Missouri, with Kentucky clinching their spot as the Mideast Regional Champion vs. the East Regional Champion, Duke.
Forward Jack Givens scored 41 points to pace the Wildcats and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Givens would be drafted 16th overall just a few months later by the San Antonio Spurs.
For Duke, forward Gene Banks, who would go on to be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and play seven years in the NBA, chipped in 22 points in the losing effort. Meanwhile, another future Association player, big Mike Gminski, grabbed 12 boards for the Blue Devils.
The Sidearmer 