 In the 1969 Final Four, they lost to Alcindor and Coach John Wooden's UCLA dynasty squad 85–82 on March 20, 1969 in the National Semi-Final.Drake, down 41–39 at halftime was close with the #1 ranked team the entire game, behind 24 points from Willie McCarter, 13 points with 16 rebounds from Willie Wise, a famous block of an Alcinder shot by Rick Wanamaker and strong defense by Dolph Pulliam.UCLA led 83-74 with one minute 12 seconds left, but Drake scored eight straight points and UCLA now had a one-point lead in the final minute of play.