Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 26, according to the Tribune’s archives.Is an important event missing from this date? .1945:DePaul, led by young coach Ray Meyer, beat Bowling Green 71-54 at Madison Square Garden to win the National Invitation Tournament.George Mikan, DePaul’s 6-foot-10 center, was named the NIT MVP, scoring a record 120 points during the three games. His presence also led to record crowds, as 72,622 fans turned out for the four nights at Madison Square Garden. Mikan was inducted into the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame in 1982.DePaul played one more game that season, losing to NCAA champion Oklahoma A&M 52-44 in the Red Cross Benefit Game at the Garden.2005: Trailing by 15 points with 4 minutes and 4 seconds left in regulation, Illinois rallied to beat No. 3 Arizona in overtime in the NCAA Tournament’s Chicago regional final at Allstate Arena.
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