- Wednesday, January 17 1917 -
Centre College - 21 (Head Coach: Orville Littick)
| Player | FG | FT | FTA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Diddle (*) | 1 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| Allen Davis | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Thomas Tate | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Madison Bell (*) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ralph Montgomery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Charles McDowell | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Totals | 7 | 7 | 12 | 21 |
Kentucky - 31 (Head Coach: William P. Tuttle) - [Final Rank ]
| Player | FG | FT | FTA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Ireland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Charles Schrader | 2 | 9 | 15 | 13 |
| Lawrence Longsworth | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Doc Rodes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Gumbert | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Totals | 11 | 9 | 15 | 31 |
| Prior Game | | | Next Game |
| Marietta 23 - 27 | | | Georgetown College 19 - 22 |
Wildcats Down Danville in First Basket Ball Game, Score 31-21
The Wildcat basketeers took the first half of the game against Centre last night to warm up, but when they did begin to radiate they made the three hundred fanatics crowded into the gymnasium forget the zero weather by beating the Danville collection 31 to 21. This means, of course, that the University of Kentucky starts the basketball season auspiciously in spite of the bear tales that have been emanatng from the University and the financial troubles which are worrying the athletic leaders of the school.
Centre started off the game by exceeding the speed limit and got away with seventeen clean points by the greased lightning stuff. But when Kentucky finally woke up and realized that the game was in progress, she had the Centre crowd running around the floor like chickens minus their much needed cerebellums and short pants were noted on the part of the Danvillites, the pants, of course, referring to their breading and not their breeches.
For Kentucky, Longworth, cognomened "Pug," did the bright light work, with five field goals and excellent floor work to his credit. Dr. Tigert has been agitated over the lack of a center this year but it seems that he can stop worrying now. "Pug" may be short but he jumps like a kangaroo. "Dutch" Shrader, verteran of many campaigns, appeared again in a Wildcat suit and did stellar playing with two goals from field and did good foul throwing with nine out of fifteen credited to him. He missed his first three attempts, but got a second chance on the last one because Mr. Diddle, affectionately nicknamed "Hey Diddle" by the Centre aggregation, yelled "watch your foot" to him when he went to shoot. Referee Hinton, of Georgetown, thought this unbecoming in one of our best-regulated basketball games and ruled Kentucky another trial. Once started, "Dutch" was all to the good.
Montgomery and McDowell starred for the Centre team with Diddle also coming in for recognition.
The first quarter ended 17 to 15 in favor of Centre, which made things look unhappy. Longsworth, Ireland and Shrader got busy, however, and soon made things brighten up.
George Gumbert, captain of the Wildcat team, probably played his last game last night, as he expects to leave college following the mid-semester examinations and try his luck as a pedagog in Marion. "Doc" Rodes was rather rough with the Centre boys, but proved a tower of strength on the defense. He is recognized as one of the few best guards in Kentucky
Game Writeup - Lexington Leader
BLUE AND WHITE TRIM CENTRE 31 TO 21
The Wildcats of the University of Kentucky defeated the basket ball team of Centre College, Danville, by a score of 31 to 21 on the university gymnasium floor here Wednesday night.
The Danville aggregation started the contest with a rush and were able to obtain the better part of the initial period by a margin of one point, the score standing 16 to 15.
It was the first game of the season for the local five and the first half of the clash was taken for practice, as they outpointed the visitors 4 to 1 in the second half.
Longsworth, a newcomer to the ranks of the Wildcats, played a masterful game at centre position and has five field goals to his credit. "Doc" Rodes made his first appearance on a basket ball floor and did fine defensive work. Schrader and Captain Gumbert, veterans of two seasons, did stellar work at goal throwing. It was the last game for Gumbert, as he intends leaving school next week to take up teaching.
Ireland, who served as substitute last season, was out in forward position and did much to brighten things up in the last half.
For Centre Diddle played an excellent game of ball, with Montgomery and McDowell deserving their share of credit for the score.
Game Preview - Lexington Leader (January 17, 1917)
STATE VS. CENTRE TONIGHT
The Wildcats of the University of Kentucky will open their basket ball season tonight when they meet Centre College in the university gymnasium. The game will be called at 8 o'clock.
