March 24, 1973 — Memphis State Downs Providence to Reach NCAA Title Game

Quick Facts

• Date: March 24, 1973
• Location: St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri
• Event: NCAA national semifinal (Final Four)
• Result: Memphis State 98, Providence 85
• Head Coaches: Gene Bartow (Memphis State); Dave Gavitt (Providence)
• Key Figures: Larry Kenon (28 points, 22 rebounds) and Ronnie Robinson (24 points, 16 rebounds) for Memphis State; Ernie DiGregorio (32 points) for Providence; Marvin Barnes (left with a knee injury, returned late)
• Memphis State’s path to St. Louis: South Carolina (90–76) and Kansas State (92–72)

Main Story

On March 24, 1973, Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) earned a defining victory for the Bluff City, defeating Providence 98–85 in the NCAA national semifinal at the St. Louis Arena. Providence opened fast behind All-American guard Ernie DiGregorio and led at halftime, but Friars star Marvin Barnes suffered a first-half knee injury that altered the game’s balance. With Barnes limited, the Tigers leaned on frontcourt standouts Larry Kenon and Ronnie Robinson, who controlled the glass and powered a second-half surge that put Memphis State comfortably in front.

The win sent Bartow’s Tigers to the first NCAA title game in program history, a point of civic pride from Beale Street to neighborhoods across the 901. Two nights later, Memphis State met UCLA for the championship in the same building.

Legacy

This Final Four semifinal win remains one of the signature achievements in Memphis history. It elevated the Tigers’ national profile, cemented the legacies of local icon Larry Finch and teammates Kenon and Robinson, and strengthened the bond between the program and the city that rallies behind it. The 1973 run helped define Memphis basketball’s identity—resilient, talented, and unafraid of the biggest stage—an identity that continues to shape how the Bluff City sees itself.

For readers exploring Memphis history and sports heritage, this game is a touchstone that connects the energy of Beale Street with the enduring pride of Tiger fans across the 901.

https://gotigersgo.com/sports/2015/6/25/MBB_0625150024.aspx, https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-05-18/1973-ncaa-tournament-bracket-scores-stats-records, https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/03/31/1973-final-four-bill-walton-memphis/, https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/boxscores/1973-03-24-memphis.html