ROYAL WELCOME

This image captures FSU C Reggie Royals locked in a physical battle with UCLA’s sophomore star Bill Walton during the 1972 NCAA title game in Los Angeles. Royals, a 6-foot-10 junior, gave the Seminoles toughness inside, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Walton powered the paint with 24 points and 20 rebounds to secure the championship. The contest was defined by second-chance opportunities and points in the lane, where UCLA’s relentless rebounding tilted the game in their favor. Reflecting on the challenge, Seminole coach Hugh Durham said, “I thought, when we had our people in there we played pretty well. But it’s hard to keep your top people in there against UCLA because they apply so much pressure.” FSU fell 81-76, but Royals’ effort in the paint exemplified the grit that carried the team to its first National Championship appearance.