The Vikings’ second consecutive national title in 1974 cemented MCCC’s place in the record books. With their two national championships, Mercer remains the only East Coast team to win the NJCAA title – before or since. These championships have stood as the crowning achievement of the Mercer men’s basketball program.
Bob Pugh, MCCC professor emeritus and assistant coach under Coach Howie Landa, still recalls the pressure and expectations that came with returning to the national stage in Hutchinson, Kan. The emotions of both players and coaches were in overdrive, but still they prevailed 60-58 in a squeaker of a game against Chipola College (Fla).
The Vikings advanced to the title game after three commanding tournament wins: 80-58 over Niagara CC in the opening game; 83-48 over Grand View (Iowa) in the quarterfinal; and 64-51 over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M of Miami in the semifinal.
The final match-up proved a much tougher contest and had all the makings of a memorable game: great defense and shooting – and a cliffhanger ending. The Vikings were up 34-26 at the half. Unable to penetrate Mercer’s zone defense, Chipola started making long shots, eventually tying the score at 50-50 and then going up by two with five minutes left. There were three more ties in the final minutes before the Vikings went ahead on a layup with 1:20 left. Their two foul shots sealed the victory.
The game-winning difference was Mercer’s ability to defend without fouling, along with success at the foul line, where they made 10 of 13. In the tournament summary, the Vikings were described as “unMercerful.”
Top scorer for the Vikings was Connie White with 18 points. He was named National Player of the Year. Landa was named Coach of the Tournament.
Members of the 1973-1974 Championship Team
Coach - Howie Landa
Assistant Coaches - Robert Pugh, Bill Panella
Manager - Glenn Greig
Statistician - Jim Ramm
