USA teams in the previous two World University Games had compiled an impressive 15-0 record while claiming both gold medals. 1970 would be different as the USA team not only suffered its first loss in World University Games competition, but also returned home without the gold medal for the first time.

USA teams in the previous two World University Games had compiled an impressive 15-0 record while claiming both gold medals. 1970 would be different as the USA team not only suffered its first loss in World University Games competition, but also returned home without the gold medal for the first time.

Head coach Bob Davis of Georgetown College (Ky.) directed the USA to an 8-1 record and the silver medal. The U.S. squad was led by 7'0' Jim McDaniels (Western Kentucky), 6'7' George McGinnis (Indiana) and 6'3' John Mengelt (Auburn) who averaged 17.9 ppg., 16.6 ppg. and 15.1 ppg., respectively.

The USA won its first three games by an average margin of 58.0 points. Defeating Denmark 97-32, Jim Cleamons led the Americans with 20 points. France fell to the U.S. 114-65 as McDaniels poured in 29 points, then Senegal was crushed 101-41 in a game that saw Ken Davis score 16 points, while Cliff Meeley and Bob Ford accounted for 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Facing a fast and aggressive Cuban team, the U.S. fell behind early, but by the half had managed a slim 45-41 lead. Foul trouble sealed Cuba's fate as five players fouled out and the U.S. went on to post a 90-80 victory. McDaniels led the U.S. effort with 24 points and Mengelt chipped in 21, while McGinnis notched 19. Facing Brazil, the U.S. took a 42-32 lead into the locker room at half, then blew it open in the second half and cruised to a 95-56 win as McGinnis led the team with 23 points. Italy proved no match for the U.S. squad as the Americans rolled to a 95-56 victory behind 21 points from McGinnis.

Advancing to the round-robin finals, the U.S. again faced Cuba and again struggled before earning the win. Tied 44-all at half, the United States' offense took control in the second half and the Americans emerged on the winning side of an 87-73 decision. McDaniels scored 27 points and Meeley accounted for 20. The USA's match-up with Yugoslavia seemed to be a re-run of the previous day's game. At half, the Americans found themselves tied at 44 with the Yugoslavians, but again the USA rallied in the second half and behind McGinnis' 25 points, the U.S. posted a 93-81 victory.

Facing the Soviets in a battle for the gold, the U.S. trailed at half for the first time of the tourney, 31-29. Despite mounting a second half rally and receiving 23 points from McDaniels and 17 more from McGinnis, the American efforts came up short 78-71. Cuba edged Yugoslavia 66-65 to capture the bronze medal.

1970 USA MEN'S WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES ROSTER

1970 USA MEN'S WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES CUMULATIVE STATISTICS