The Hoosiers won that game 32-26, when a duel of stubbornness took place between Indiana coach Branch McCracken and the Gophers' Ozzie Cowles.

However, that season saw the foundation of one of the top teams of the Branch McCracken era, the 1959-60 Hoosiers, set in place.

The Tell City, Indiana native played for legendary coach Branch McCracken from 1952-1956, starting at point guard for McCracken's second championship team in 1953.

The Branch McCracken Court remains today. "Branch McCracken was a legendary coach prior to Bob Knight," Beckley said. "And it would be disrespectful to replace his name on the court." ...

The first great coach at Indiana, Branch McCracken coached from 1938-43 and 1946-65. During his tenure, McCracken won four conference titles, made four NCAA Tournaments and won two national titles.

It wasn’t the basketball portion of it; he’s the grandson-in-law of famed Indiana University basketball coach Branch McCracken and knows the game.

Indiana unveiled the renovated Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall last fall and the $45 million dollar project gave one of college basketball's most historic venues new life.

That title belongs to former Indiana boss Branch McCracken, who helmed the Hoosiers to a national title win in 1940 at the tender age of 31 years, nine months and 21 days.

Branch McCracken and Slick Leonard's 1953 NCAA Championship team is remembered as one of the most entertaining in IU history.