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First Round: (Friday, March 1, 1929)
Game 1: Mississippi 37, Maryland 35
Game 2: Kentucky 29, Tulane 15
Game 3: Washington & Lee 32, Louisiana State 22
Game 4: North Carolina State 48, Tennessee 32
Game 5: Duke 38, Alabama 32
Game 6: Georgia 42, Auburn 24
Game 7: North Carolina 43, Mississippi A.&M. 18
Game 8: Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 26
Quarterfinals: (Saturday, March 2, 1929)
Game 9: North Carolina State 31, Clemson 28
Game 10: Mississippi 50, Washington & Lee 28
Game 11: Georgia 26, Kentucky 24
Game 12: Duke 34, North Carolina 17
Semifinals: (Monday, March 4, 1929)
Finals: (Tuesday, March 5, 1929)
Game 15: North Carolina State 44, Duke 35
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Voting took place to determine which four teams would receive a seed in the 1929 tournament. The four seeded teams chosen were Washington & Lee, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. Georgia and Georgia Tech were placed in opposite brackets.
Washington & Lee (7-1 in the regular season) was considered to be the tournament favorite, although it was generally acknowledged that the field was wide open.
Work constructing the basketball floor started immediately after the conclusion of a fight held Tuesday evening (February 26). The cost of the floor was $2000. [JPS Note: this was significantly lower than the cost of the floor in early years. This may have been a factor in some of the issues experienced with the (poor) quality of the floor in later tournaments.]
The opening day would consist of five games in the afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. and three evening contests.
Officials were Stanley Sutton, Tom Thorp and Paul Menton, the same group who officiated the previous year's tournament.
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The Blue Devils regular season record was a middling 5-4, but they excelled in the tournament. The team was coached by Eddie Cameron, who earlier had played and coached in the tournament with Washington & Lee.
North Carolina State, under Coach Gus Tebell brought only nine men to Atlanta, even though each team was allowed to bring ten. Instead, Tebell chose to bring his assistant and athletic trainer, Dr. Ray Sermon. Tebell thought Sermon would provide a bigger benefit to the team in the event one of the players got injured, than a tenth player would provide.
The Georgia Tech student newspaper noted the opportunity that the tournament provided to make a good impression of the school to visitors. Noted a student correspondant:
"'A man's a man for a' that.'" - ("Rambling and Rumbling," by Hank, The Technique, March 1, 1929.)
Friday, March 1, 1929 - First Round
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Game 1: Mississippi 37, Maryland 35
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"Ole Miss, which came riding out of the west last year to take the entire conference by surprise and win the tournament, moved off promptly at 1 o'clock with the Old Liners of Maryland.
"Maryland was becomingly attired in knee-pads, seldom seen in these modern days." - ("Tech Loses to Clemson in First Round of Tournament," by Ben Cothran, Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1929.)
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Front Row (l to r): Julius Radice, Heagy, Thurston Dean, George Madigan, Cohen Back Row: Pitzer, William Evans, John Allen, Fred Hetzel, McGann, Manager Augustus Winnemore |
Game 2: Kentucky 29, Tulane 15
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"Paul McBrayer, although he scored no points, was the main cog in the Wildcats' attack, being the pivot for all Kentucky's passing." - ("Upsets Bring Thrills as 8 Entries Lose Out in Conference Battle," by Hoke Welch, Atlanta Georgian, March 2, 1929.)
"Kentucky and Tulane fought it out in a tight defensive battle with Kentucky's weird submarine pass, triumphing over the doggedly fighting Tulane Greenies. The score was 29 to 15, Earl (sic) Combs, of Kentucky, running wild in the last half to send his team far ahead.
. . .
"Kentucky uses a weird sort of dribble-pass that keeps the ball almost rolling on the floor and Tulane had trouble getting through the other, shots at the basket were wild and hurried with a whole lot of misses. The score during the first half was tight as you'll get on this new Georgia corn, with neither ever having more than a two-point lead." - ("Tech Loses to Clemson in First Round of Tournament," by Ben Cothran, Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1929.)
Game 3: Washington & Lee 32, Louisiana State 22
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"The Generals, favored by many to cop the tourney, failed to click impressively against the Louisiana Staters in their opener. . . only a few mumbles can be heard today concerning the chances of the Virginians." - ("Upsets Bring Thrills as 8 Entries Lose Out in Conference Battle," by Hoke Welch, Atlanta Georgian, March 2, 1929.)
Game 4: North Carolina State 48, Tennessee 32
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"Right after the W. L.-L.S.U. tiff, the wolf appeared at the door in the shape of North Carolina State's Wolfpack, playing the Vols of Tennessee in the fourth game.
"The Wolves, clad in violent red jerseys, and the Vols, in pale orange affairs, stared off in a ding-dong hammering sort of game.
. . .
Tennessee, in the second half, was completely routed by the State bunch. Goodwin, the Wolf center, went crazy on the matter of shooting goals and kept piling up points until he made 18 in the second half. He made that despite the fact that he was taken out some seven minutes before the game was over." - ("Tech Loses to Clemson in First Round of Tournament," by Ben Cothran, Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1929.)
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"It was interesting to note how the sentiment was divided yesterday in the Duke-Alabama game. The Blue Devils received just as much support as did the veteran Tidesmen, and although it was a bit hard to see 'Bama bumped off in the first round, the whoopee boys appeared slated over the fact that Duke, baby member of the organization, was doing so well in its first shot." - ("Upsets Bring Thrills as 8 Entries Lose Out in Conference Battle," by Hoke Welch, Atlanta Georgian, March 2, 1929.)
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"Georgia piled up a comfortable lead soon after the gong and coasted along with apparent ease until the final pistol banged the game to a close.
"Auburn played hard and steadily, but was not able to cope with the attack Georgia displayed. Harris and Sanford, Georgia forward and center, respectively, broke through the Tigers' defense time and time again and dropped in crip shot, both scoring eight each." - ("Georgia is Victor Over Auburn, 42-24," Atlanta Georgian, March 2, 1929.)
Game 7: North Carolina 43, Mississippi A.&M. 18
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"The game was just as one-sided as the score sounds, too. The Chapel Hill boys presented one of their characteristic fine teams. Easy, graceful and apparently unhurried, they drifted about he court like ghosts, and something of the supernatural also atended their shots at the basket." - ("Tarheels Flash Power in Victory Over Aggies," Atlanta Georgian, March 2, 1929.)
Game 8: Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 26
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"In the second half things began happening. In the first place Clemson cut down that scant lead of Tech's and was rude enough to take the lead by some four or six points and hold it until the final five minutes. Josh Cody's team was doing great defensive work and the Jacket's weren't' clicking. Finally Red Williamson got started again and with Tech two points behind flipped in a field goal to tie the score at 26-all. But the tie didn't last long. Thomas, who had done the burden of the work for Clemson, shot a field goal to make it 28-26, Clemson. Shortly afterwards, with just the least bit of time left, Crain shot another for Clemson. . . After Crain had shot his field goal the timer's gun sounded twice, denoting the end of the game and the end of Tech in this tournament." - ("Tech Loses to Clemson in First Round of Tournament," by Ben Cothran, Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1929.)
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"It is doubtful if the auditorium, which has embraced within it grand opera, prize fights, automobile shows, wrestling matches, medical conventions and concerts, has ever witnessed any thing as exciting or interesting as this first day of play." - ("Tech Loses to Clemson in First Round of Tournament," by Ben Cothran, Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1929.)
Saturday, March 2, 1929 - Quarterfinals
Game 9: North Carolina State 31, Clemson 28
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"A hard-fighting dogged Clemson team came near contributing another upset yesterday afternoon in the opener at the auditorium, but the highly regarded North Carolina Staters had a little too much class to be denied. It was a battle all the way, but the famous Goodwin and his mates got away with the final verdict 31 to 28.
. . .
"Features of the game were the spectacular dribbling of the Carolina boys - notably Johnson, one of the best I have seen at this department - and the splendid guarding of Jones, of Clemson. This youth had detailed to him the stiff job of curbing the dangerous Goodwin, and he carried out his duty admirably. Crain, Thomas, Young and Johnson all showed a keen eye for the basket." - ("Clemson Almost Adds New Upset," by Walter P. Wilkes, Hearts' Sunday American, March 3, 1929.)
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Game 10: Mississippi 50, Washington & Lee 28
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"The Generals started out yesterday as though they intended to live up to their high reputation, dazzling pass-work and accurate shooting giving them a quick lead of 9 to 1 over Ole Miss. The Oxford boys appeared sluggish in comparison and many tears - later shown to have been misguided - were shed at the prospect of the 1928 title-holders being erased so thoroughly from the tournament picture of 1929.
"Williams, the star center of the Virginians, was getting the tip-off from Mabry consistent, and neat shooting by Lowry and Hanna was running up the points. . .
"What happened between halves is hard to say, but the Ole Miss boys came out for the second half an inspired team. Selby soon counted a goal and Cary Phillips another. Mabry then dropped a free throw and when Ary Phillips finally sank one of the long shots he had been trying for all afternoon, the Generals' margin had been wiped to a single point, the score standing at 22-21.
"At this juncture Williams went out on personal fouls, Washington & Lee weakened perceptibly, and Mississippi went hog wild. Everything seemed to happen at once, Cary Phillips shot the foul that tied the score, and - with a last dying gasp - Lowry counted for the Generals. From then on to the end of the game, the champions went berserk. Led by the irrepressible Mabry, the lads with the illegible numbers on their somber uniforms simply couldn't miss.
"The score shot rapidly to 38-24 in Ole Miss' favor, and most of the goals were by no means easy ones. All the boys had to do was fire away in the general direction of the basket, and the meshes clicked merrily. The Generals grew more and more demoralized, but they could certainly be excused. . ." - ("Miss. Team Stages Rally, Cops Thriller," by Walter P. Wilkes, Hearts' Sunday American, March 3, 1929.)
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Game 11: Georgia 26, Kentucky 24
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"The last two minutes of that game were exciting to the nth degree. Georgia had apparently a safe lead of six points. It seemed a cinch to prevent a tie in this time. But at this juncture some real drama made its appearance. Milward got in close under the basket and sank one just as Sanford fouled him. This gave him two free shots and he dropped in both of them, totaling four points for his effort. This put Georgia just two points ahead. On the next tip off McBrayer pushed Palmer and the black-haired boy got a free shot, which he missed. Kentucky took the ball off the basket. Down the field came Lawrence McGinnis. He dribbled up in shooting distance and as the ball left his hand the pistol fired to end the game. The ball hit on the rim of the basket, hung suspended there and then dropped off. Georgia had won." - ("Bulldogs vs. Duke; N.C. State Plays Champs in Semifinals," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 3, 1929.)
"Kentucky has one lasting distinction. The Wildcats set an all-time record by tearing a divot from the pine floor. The Blues were charging around under their basket and kicked up a hunk of board six inches long. The game was halted while Al Doonan looked around over the audience and found a man with hammer and nails in his pocket.
"It was unreliably reported Monday that the labor union was considering boycotting the tournament. The man is said to have been a union carpenter and worked after hours." - ("An Ear to the Ground," by Ed Danforth, Atlanta Georgian, March 4, 1929.)
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"Duke won her way into the last four by giving the North Carolina Tar Heels an artistic lacing. The Millionaire Babies from Durham swept their neighbors from Chapel Hill off their feet by blinding speed. Never have we seen a team travel at such a pace for forty minutes as did the Blue Devils. They were greased lightning and were entirely too fast to be caught. Their man-to-man defense was so potent it had the Tar Heels hogtied.
. . .
"Duke is going to be a hard team to keep out of the championship. The baby member of the conference may win the title the first year. It will take powerful work to stop her." - ("Bulldogs vs. Duke; N.C. State Plays Champs in Semifinals," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 3, 1929.)
"The three musketeers of Duke - Croson, Councillor and Werber - who have made a great impression in Atlanta, all hail from Washington D.C. For years these lads played together on the Central High school in the national capital, and that is a good explanation of why they work so well together.
. . .
Werber, by the way, is a great baseball player. He is a shortstop and has been signed by the New York Yankees to report just as soon as he leaves school. He is said to be a wizard at the diamond game as he is in basket ball." - ("Sportanic Eruptions: Goodwin vs. Croson," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 5, 1929.)
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Seated (l to r): Jankoski, Rogers, Candler, Bill Werber, Farley, Councilor Standing: Moore, Thorne, Folk, Joe Croson, Burch, Head Coach Eddie Cameron |
Monday, March 4, 1929 - Semifinals
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"The first contest featuring the Wolfpack of North Carolina State and Maroons of Ole Mississippi was "even closer than the score would indicate," to quote the country correspondent. The score was 34-32 and should have been a draw. It seems a crying shame to let any team lose in a game like that. Both should have won." - ("Hawk-eye'ing Sports," by Dick Hawkins, Atlanta Constitution, March 5, 1929.)
"The last-mentioned game was played first and the Mississippians were forced to drink from the same bitter cup they handed Saturday to Washington and Lee. Enjoying a comfortable lead of 26 to 16 at the half, and going strong, they proved unable to withstand a powerful second-half rally by their opponents, and, fighting to the very last, succumbed.
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"Time was short, and they missed many efforts, but Selby at last rolled one in from the side and the score was again tied, this time at 32-all. Excitement ran high among players and spectators, but the final break went to the Staters when Goodwin was given three foul throws, and sank two of them for the winning margin." - ("Georgia and Ole Miss Fall Before Attacks of Carolina Entries," by Walter P. Wilkes, Atlanta Georgian, March 5, 1929.)
"For nine years these tournaments have been held in Atlanta, and representatives of the Empire State have yet to win a championship. Georgia has twice challenged nobly, losing in the finals by one point to Kentucky and by two points to Vanderbilt. Once more Georgia is the hope of Georgians for the title. Stegeman has a great club, one that accomplished a splendid feat in eliminating Kentucky. Maybe the long lane of blighted hopes for this state in basket ball is about to turn. Maybe the Red and Black flag will at last be planted the peake. Twice Georgia has gazed into the promised land. Perhaps the wilderness wandering is over. So mote it be." - ("Sportanic Eruptions: Two Kinds of Basket Ball," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 4, 1929.)
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"With the score 37 to 27 against them in the waning moments of the game Georgia summoned every ounce of strength and courage left and brought the big crowd cheering to its feet by sinking five field goals in a row to tie the score. Believe us, gentlemen, there was never anything finer than this rally. Apparently hopelessly beaten the lads from Athens pulled their tired feet out of the muck and mire and blighted hopes, climbed over the dugout, and charge pell-mell into the machine gun nest.
"In fiction such an effort would have been rewarded. But in real life, alas, the hero does not always get the heroine. Right at this juncture Georgia got as tough a break as any team ever received. The referee tossed up the ball. Croson, who was getting the tipoff every time batted the ball back of him to Councillor. It was a play they had been working a good deal. But this time Henry Palmer anticipated it. He beat Councilor to the ball, turned and dribbled it to the basket and made the field goal that apparently had put Georgia ahead, 39 to 37. But, it seems something had happened. Some said the score keeper had blown his whistle. Anyhow the referee, Mr. Sutton, called the Palmer play no goal. It was a strange decision it seemed to us. After the referee had tossed up the ball and put it in play, we did not think he could halt the game until the play was completed. But he did and Georgia lost this goal. After a short time out the Blue Devils of Duke came back to life and swept the Bulldogs off their feet . . ." - ("Georgia's Great Rally Futile As Duke Wins Game, 43-37," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 5, 1929.)
"Basketball as it usually blooms and blossoms in the winter months of each year has never exactly been the sweetheart of the sporting world. Other sports have taken the principal chairs on the piazza of the average fan. If basketball were always played like it was played last evening at the city auditorium the other sports might have to play the well-known second fiddle at times." - ("Hawk-eye'ing Sports," by Dick Hawkins, Atlanta Constitution, March 5, 1929.)
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Tuesday, March 5, 1929 - Finals
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"The Millionaire Baby of Duke university, which has made its squall heard throughout the conference since coming to Atlanta last Thursday, and the Wolfpack of North Carolina State, survivor of three terrific slashing battles, will meet tonight at the auditorium at 8:30 o'clock to decide which team shall carry the title of southern conference basketball champion for 1929 back to the Old North State.
"These teams have survived three preliminary rounds of the most exciting, thrilling and rigorous tournament that Al Doonan has ever directed for the Atlanta Athletic club, and the battle tonight is going to be one that people should be willing to walk miles to see or they might have to swim if this rain keeps coming down with the steadiness of Monday." - ("Duke and North Carolina State Will Play for Title," Atlanta Constitution, March 5, 1929.)
Game 15: North Carolina State 44, Duke 35
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"State richly deserves the laurels she won in the tourney. The Wolfpack had two close shaves, one in the second round against Clemson and the other against Ole Miss in the semifinals. The Pack reached its peak in the finals battle with Duke. All of the men on the team played great basket ball. Warren put up his best game of the tournament and Johnson and Haar got nine field goals between them." - ("New Champs Made Suckers Out of Press Row in Tourney," by Morgan Blake, Atlanta Journal, March 6, 1929.)
"State won its title Tuesday night by defeating Duke, from Durham, baby member of the conference, 44 to 35, in a game that was rather an anti-climax to the three exciting preliminary rounds.
"Duke seemed to be utterly sick and tired of basketball while State took the game as a matter of course. . .
"Goodwin, the Wolfpack's center, consistently outplayed Duke's pivot man, Croson, and with the latter being somewhat out of the way, due to the manner in which State took care of him. Duke's offense was shattered. Werber, Duke guard, was the best on the floor for the Blue Devils and he went out of the game toward its close on having accumulated four personal fouls." - ("North Carolina State Defeats Duke, 44-35, for Title," Atlanta Constitution, March 6, 1929.)
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1929 All-Tournament Team
Joe Croson - Duke
Frank Goodwin - North Carolina State
L.F. Haar - North Carolina State
Dewitt Laid - Mississippi
Louis McGinnis - Kentucky
Henry Palmer - Georgia
Robert Selby - Mississippi
R.S. Warren - North Carolina State
Bill Werber - Duke
Henry Young - North Carolina State
"This annual tourney is a fine thing. It adds color to Atlanta's otherwise drab winter sports season; it assembles as fine a bunch of athletes and coaches as you will find anywhere, and, in a way, it results in some excellent advertising for Atlanta.
"And it is obvious that the tournament leaves no doubt about the Conference basketball championship. The quintet that wades through a field of 16 entires, such as those that started last Friday, is most assuredly entitled to the crown and plumb welcome." - ("Jimmy Burns Says: Atlanta Fans Assure Success of Tourney," Atlanta Georgian, March 4, 1929.)
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