This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
The January 31, 1970 game between Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi was no ordinary matchup. LSU's Pete Maravich needed 40 points to break Oscar Robertson's NCAA career scoring record of 2,973, and with Maravich averaging over 40 points per game in his three years on varsity, the question was not "if" Maravich would break the record, but "when" he would. Ole Miss coach Bob Jarvis acknowledged as much when he remarked before the game, "There's no way to stop him. We'll have to let him have his record and try to stop the rest of the team."
As he was apt to do, Maravich came out shooting and had scored 39 points with several minutes left in the game. Then Pete seemed to hit a snag and came up empty on LSU's next six trips up the court. Six LSU possessions without a Maravich basket was almost unheard of; we have to assume that "Pistol Pete," the quintessential showman, was just making sure the Tiger faithful would be on the edge of their seats. Finally, with 4:41 left in the game, Maravich drained an 18-foot jumper to overtake Robertson in front of over 11,000 screaming fans and millions watching at home. Pete called the record, which he eventually extended to 3,667 points, his "greatest honor ever," and it stands as one that will likely never be broken.
This "Spalding Official Top-Flite 100" basketball is the game-ball from Maravich's record-breaking game. It is this exact ball that "Pistol Pete" swished through the net to solidify his place as the undisputable greatest scorer in the history of college basketball. The ball is stamped "L.S.U." on one panel and "Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame" on another. In black marker, Pete has written "Broke the Big "O" All Time Scoring Record" and in black marker (faded, but legible) he inscribed the ball to his wife, "To Jackie- The Greatest and Best Looking Girl in the Whole World. I love you." Pete has signed the ball in black marker with "Pistol Pete" on one panel and "Pete" on another panel. Each signature rates an 8. The ball comes with a letter of authenticity from Jackie Maravich and also comes with a PSA/DNA letter. Without a doubt, it is one of the most monumental basketballs in existence.