When Oscar's game went national, University of Cincinnati

When Oscar's game went national

Celebrating the 50th anniversary
of the Big O's record 56 points
in Madison Square Garden

The University of Cincinnati and Madison Square Garden commemorated one of the greatest single-game performances of all time during halftime of UC's first-round Big East Tournament game March 12, 2008.

It was Jan. 9, 1958, when UC's Oscar Robertson, Bus '60, HonDoc '07, dropped 56 points on Seton Hall, both a college and pro record for the old Garden at Eighth Avenue and 48th Street in New York. Robertson outscored the entire Seton Hall team (final UC 116, Seton Hall 54), a performance that placed both the Big O and the Bearcats on the map nationally.

"When the Big O first played the Garden" New York Times (2008)

"The Big O named No. 2 greatest player by ESPN" GoBearcats.com

Oscar Robertson's Web site thebigo.com

The Big O: My Life, My Times, My Game on Amazon.com

Photo gallery

Alumnus returns to New York to commemorate his 56-point game

Oscar Robertson, Bus '60, HonDoc '07, was recognized with a special halftime ceremony March 12, 2008, during UC's Big East Tournament game. The Big O's record-setting 56-point performance against Seton Hall in 1958 shed a national spotlight on both he and the Bearcats. Below are images from Oscar's trip, including a special UC reception.

It was Jan. 9, 1958, when UC's Oscar Robertson dropped 56 points on Seton Hall, both a college and pro record for the old Garden at Eighth Avenue and 48th Street in New York. Here he stands in front of the new facility, where the Big East Conference holds its tournaments.

-- All photos by Dottie Stover

Oscar Robertson, left, and Myron Hughes, Bus '86, UC's new Alumni Association executive director, share Bearcat basketball stories during the Big O's reception in New York. Hughes played for UC in the mid-80s.

Oscar Robertson and his wife, Yvonne, with former New York Knicks player Mel Davis.

Oscar Robertson speaks as his tribute video plays behind him on the screen.

Oscar chats with Paul Asness.

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