28-2: UC's regular-season record in 1961-62. The Bearcats had to defeat Bradley in a league playoff game for the right to defend their national title. UC did so and went on to beat Ohio State 71-59 for the championship. Paul Hogue was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

The following season, UC won its fifth straight Missouri Valley Conference championship and advanced to a fifth consecutive Final Four. In the final, the Bearcats led Loyola by 15 points before the Ramblers rallied to win 60-58 in overtime.