As UC Irvine celebrates its 50th Anniversary, UCI Athletics takes a look back at the most memorable teams and moments of the first 50 years.

MEN'S BASKETBALL, 1967-68

After just three seasons of Anteater basketball, the 1967-68 men’s basketball team made their first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

The ‘Eaters were led to the tournament by first-year head coach Dick Davis. Under his watch, the team went into the books as UCI’s first 20-win team with a 20-8 overall record.

At the NCAA Division II West Regional, the ‘Eaters defeated San Diego State 78-69, to head into the Regional Finals game. To end the groundbreaking season, the Anteaters were defeated by UNLV 74-79 after a hard fought battle for the Regional title.

Dick Davis and his 1968 Anteaters laid the foundation for Anteater men’s basketball.

Back row (L-R): Jeff Cunningham, Mike Heckman, Steve Parker
Kneeling (L-R): Head Coach Dick Davis, Darrell Millner, Charlie Brande

UC Irvine 50th Anniversary Website