Cavan's first four points came from Seanie Johnston but Antrim kept their noses in front through Michael McCann (2), James Loughery and Paddy Cunningham.
However, their opener was a touch fortunate as Neill's attempted clearance bounced up and struck his hand and referee Dessie Loughery's ruling that it was deliberate appeared harsh.
"You were witnessing history, " he went on, noting the match-ups: Willis Reed and Wes Unseld, Bill Bradley and Jack Marin, Dick Barnett and Kevin Loughery, Dave DeBusschere and Gus Johnson.