2014 Hiram vs. Mount St. Joseph women's basketball game

2014 Hiram vs. Mount St. Joseph women's basketball game was a collegiate women's basketball game played on November 2, 2014. It was a non-conference match between the Hiram College Terriers and the Mount St. Joseph University Lions. This game garnered national attention not just for the sports competition but for the heartwarming story of Lauren Hill, a freshman player for Mount St. Joseph who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Background

Lauren Hill, a freshman at Mount St. Joseph University, had committed to play basketball before her diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Despite her terminal diagnosis, Hill expressed her wish to play college basketball. The NCAA approved a petition to move the game up by two weeks to ensure that Hill could fulfill her dream of playing in a college basketball game.

Game Day

The game was held at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, to accommodate the large crowd that wanted to support Hill. Originally scheduled to be a home game for Hiram College, the venue was changed to allow more fans to attend. The event sold out quickly, with more than 10,000 spectators in attendance, many of whom were there to support Hill and raise awareness for DIPG.

During the game, Lauren Hill scored the first and last baskets, which became the most memorable moments of the match. Her courage and determination touched many, turning the game into an emotional event for players, spectators, and people who followed the story nationwide.

Aftermath

The game raised significant awareness and funds for cancer research, particularly for DIPG. Lauren Hill's story became an inspiration across the country, leading to numerous awards and recognitions for her bravery, including the Pat Summitt Courage Award. Sadly, Lauren Hill passed away on April 10, 2015, but her legacy continues through the Lauren Hill "Layup4Lauren" challenge and other initiatives that raise funds and awareness for DIPG research.

Legacy

The 2014 Hiram vs. Mount St. Joseph women's basketball game is remembered not only as a sports event but as a poignant moment in collegiate athletics where competition took a backseat to humanity and compassion. Lauren Hill's story and the game itself have had a lasting impact on raising awareness for pediatric cancer research and have inspired countless individuals to contribute to the cause.