Pioneers basketball vs. People’s Republic of China
February 1980
On Feb. 2, 1980, the DU Fieldhouse played host to an international athletic competition when the Pioneers men’s basketball team took on the People’s Republic of China’s Junior National Team in an exhibition scrimmage. Although the young team was “quick and aggressive on defense,” according to The Clarion, All-American Alfonzo Weatherly — shown here taking it to the hoop against Fort Hays — scored a game-high 32 points and lead the Pioneers to a 103-83 victory over China. Later that year, the men’s basketball team went on to qualify for post-season competition, marking the first time in 21 years and the 2nd time in the history of DU basketball that a team had done so. The February 1980 victory over China started a 79-game winning streak at home, which lasted until January 1985, under the leadership of coach Floyd Theard.