TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- It's hard to believe but this upcoming Indiana State Basketball season marks the 40th anniversary of when the Sycamores went 33-1 and became the last Missouri Valley Conference team to qualify for the NCAA Championship Game when they went on to face Michigan State in "The Game That Changed The Game." 

As such, Indiana State Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales will welcome back to the 1978-79 Sycamore Basketball Team for an unforgettable day of memories and celebration for all that was accomplished that season. We get the band back together on January 19, 2019 when the Sycamores host Loyola at 2 pm (ET) in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPNU. There will be pre-game, in-game, half time and post game activities planned that day. 

The 1978-79 team will be honored as we raise a new banner to honor the program's trip to the NCAA Final Four in Salt Lake City, Utah. The championship contest against Michigan State capped a magical season in which the Sycamores won their first 33 games and it still the highest rated college basketball game broadcast in the history of the NCAA Tournament. On March 26, 1979 over 35 million people watched the Sycamores and Larry Bird battle the Spartans for the NCAA Trophy.

Leading up to the big day, the Sycamores will look to rekindle memories by tweeting the entire season as if social media existed during the 1978-79 campaign. Sycamore fans are encouraged to join the conversation and post their own memories as they happened by using the hashtag #MarchWentMad. From the Miracle Man Bob Heaton's shot at New Mexico State to the nationally televised game against Wichita State during a heavy snow storm, we will take a look at all of the stories that made that season one to celebrate.

After the New Year, Sycamore fans will see an online profile of each and every student-athlete from the team, plus the head coach Bill Hodges and SID Ed McKee as lead up to the game on January 19. Highlights from that season, including the legendary voice of Bob Forbes and other broadcasters of the time will be available on social media throughout the season. We will also remember the memory of Bob King, Mel Daniels and others who played a key role for the Sycamores that season but are no longer with us.

More details of the in-arena celebration will be made available at a later date. But Sycamore fans can plan on an experience around the game that they will never forget.

Fans can act now to buy tickets to the game in the upper level for the same exact price that they were available for in 1978-79. You can buy tickets in the upper level of Hulman Center for only $3 right now by visiting the Hulman Center Box Office, calling 1-877-ISU-TIXS or going to Ticketmaster.com. One ticket will get you into the game plus experience the reunion and honor the 1978-79 team as they once again hoist the NCAA Championship Game trophy for the fans in Terre Haute.