This rare ticket stub represents Jimmy Rayl’s second 56 point performance IU’s New Field House. Arguably, Rayl — aka the Splendid Splinter — was one of the most prolific shooters in the history of both Indiana high school and Indiana University basketball.
What’s amazing about his two record setting performances is that not only did Rayl play in an era with no 3-point shot, but the game was also somewhat shorter because the clock wasn’t stopped when the ball was out of bounds. Even more amazing…after racking up 32 points by halftime, and with Indiana was leading handily in the waning minutes of the game, McCracken took Rayl out of the game, much to the chagrin of Indiana fans. So much so, in fact, they booed Coach McCracken for it.
On top of all of that, it’s crazy to think this might not have even happened in the first place. Rayl had walked out of practice only a couple of days earlier in the week and as he was leaving, McCracken told him if he left he would never play at IU again. It took a phone call from a friend of Rayl’s, who was a sports writer, and an apology at practice to the team to rejoin the Hoosiers.
Estimated Value: $75-$100
Date: February 23, 1963
Venue: New Fieldhouse
Opponent: Michigan State
Score: Indiana 113, Michigan State 94
Game Number: 20
Record: 11-9