Wilt almost didn’t score 100

On March 2, 1962 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single night. He also set the record for field goals,36, forfree throws, converting 28 of 32, most points for a quarter , 31 and most points for a half, 59. But you know, Wilt almost missed scoring that phenomenal century record. Here’s a replay of what really happened that historical night.

A crowd of 4, 174 had come to watch Wilt Chamberlain take on the New York Knicks at the Garden.  From the start, it was Wilt’s night, even the music belonged to Wilt, the song playing was “By The River” and the vocalist on this particular record was Chamberlain himself. The Warriors started like a house on fire exploding to a 19-13 advantage. Of the 19 Wilt had 13, seven of those on foul shots.  As the first quarter droned on, it looked like it was  going to be a rout half time for the Warriors until Richie Guerin of the Knicks led his team closer at 76-68,at half time.  By then, Wilt had accounted  for 59 points. The previous single game record was 26 points set by Chamberlain himself and when he hit 69 near the end of the third quarter, the Warriors gave it to Wilt.  Entering the final quarter, Philadelphia led 125-106. Darrall Imholff had fouled out completely, pooped after unsuccessfully containing the 275, pound Chamberian. At this point, every Knick had but a single thought, stop Wilt.  For almost 2 minutes, Wilt didn’t score. Then Philadelphia coach Frank McGuire gave instruction to foul every time New York got possession of the ball. This move stopped the stall and Wilt dunked his 95th point. The frustrated Knicks mobbed the big  man with defense but a foul gave Wilt his 96th point. Another perfect pass from Guy Rodgers who had stolen the ball, set up , Wilts 98th point as he dunked.  With 1 minute, 17 second to go, both bench were on their feet and cries of “Give it Wilt”, could be heard as far  as New York City. As  the minute elapsed, Wilt had missed 2 shots. With 19 seconds to go, he took a pass from York Larise  for a lay-up but missed grabbed his lay-up but missed grabbed his own rebound and tried again.  Once more he missed as the crowd got quiet.  Then with seven seconds to buzzer time, Rodgers rifled a perfect pass to Wilt who was under the basket.  Wilt dunked it as the basket.  Wilt dunked it as the roof came off.  One hundred points. The game was held up moments after the crowd returned to their seats to wait for the final score.  Philadelphia 169, New York  Knicks 147, and Wilt Chamberlain, 100 points.

Illegal Shoes

Vienna  City  Marathon winner Derara Hurisa of Ethiopia, was disqualified for wearing shoes with soles permitted.  Marathon organizers said shoes with soles thicker than 4 centimeters are not allowed. Derara who wore the Adidas Adizero, clocked 2:09:22 to beat Kenyan Leonard Lagat by 3 seconds. I remember several years ago when I was scouting  for  lightweight  racing shoes in Hong Kong. I had a quarell with the store owner when I asked for a scaling  equipment. The irate Chinese said: “What are you  looking for shoes or fish?” I told  the guy, I needed a racing flat that weighs about 8 ounces. To address this problem of looking  for  lightweight shoes, then Nike sports manager Auty Villarama, ordered  from the Nike factory, the best racing flats available. Our club became the winningest running team in Philippine marathon history, hauling 12 consecutive titles in the PAL Manila Marathon.