TENTH WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES -- 1979

In 1979, the USA men headed south of the border to Mexico City, Mexico, with gold on their minds. Coached by Ken Anderson of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the USA arrived in Mexico looking for its third straight World University Games gold medal. The Americans returned home with a 7-1 record and the gold medal.

1979 USA Men's World University Games Team 1979 USA RESULTS (7-1) USA 144 Jordan 34 USA 147 Saudi Arabia 25 USA 173 Sudan 14 Yugoslavia   79 USA 73 USA   86 Canada 76 USA 138 Bulgaria 79 USA   75 Mexico 67 USA   88 Yugoslavia 70 1979 WORLD UNIV. GAMES FINAL STANDINGS 1. USA (7-1) 9. Brazil (6-2) 2. Yugoslavia (6-2) 10. Israel (6-2) 3. Cuba (6-2) 11. Japan (5-3) 4. Mexico (5-2) 12. Panama (3-5) 5. Canada (5-3) 13. Finland (5-3) 6. Bulgaria (4-4) 14. Congo (3-5) 7. F. R. of Germany (5-3) 15. Liberia (3-5) 8. Belgium (3-5) 16. Jordan (2-6)

However, the U.S. was derailed as a 19-point advantage slipped through its hands and Yugoslavia stormed back to capture a 79-73 victory. Needing to win its three remaining games if the gold medal dream was to be again realized, the USA did just that as future NBA all-star Andrew Toney lead the U.S. to an 86-76 win over Canada, a 138-79 romp past Bulgaria and a semifinal round victory over Mexico 75-67.

Advancing to the gold medal game and a rematch against Yugoslavia, the U.S. was looking to avenge its earlier loss to the Yugoslavs. The Americans came out gunning from the start and by half had a 42-30 edge. Remembering only too well Yugoslavia's comeback in the earlier contest, the USA kept the pressure going and behind Toney's 22 points and 12 more from future Boston Celtic great Kevin McHale, cruised on to an 88-70 win for the 1979 gold medal.

While the U.S. captured the gold and Yugoslavia earned the silver, Cuba upended host Mexico 71-57 to win the bronze medal.