Fueled by Kansas Players, USA Wins World University Games
In an epic battle of undefeated teams, the USA pulled together to beat Germany 84-77 in double overtime to win the gold medal of the 2015 World University Games (WUG) at Yeomju Indoor Gymnasium in Gwangju, Korea, Monday evening.
With the win, the USA (8-0), which consists mainly of Kansas student-athletes and staff, claimed its first gold in the World University Games since 2005 and its first WUG medal since a bronze in 2009. The USA has now won 14 gold medals in the World University Games which began in 1965. Germany fell to 6-1 in the 2015 Games.
“It’s a huge thrill, a huge honor,” USA head coach Bill Self said. “Our team really bonded and came together. To win it the way we won it – playing against a Germany team that outplayed us a majority of the game – we were dead tired, no legs, no lift, couldn’t make a shot and willed ourselves to win. I’m really proud of our guys and proud to be part of a very special event.”