The 1979-80 Bobcat men's basketball team laid the foundation for the programs long-running success in the years to follow.
Brandon finished the '79-80 season with an overall record of 40-and-10. At the time, it was the best season in BU men's basketball history. They finished in first-place in the Great Plains Athletic Conference with a near perfect record of 15-and-1.
The accomplishments marked a major turnaround for the program after the Bobcats struggled two seasons prior, winning only three of 16 conference games.
The Bobcats claimed their first-ever GPAC title by knocking off their provincial rival, the Winnipeg Wesmen in the final to advance to the CIAU tournament for the first time.
Brandon defeated Winnipeg 67-63 in Game 2 to sweep the best-of-3 league final. The Bobcats were down 33-30 at the halftime break and trailed with 11 minutes remaining before rallying down the stretch. Keith Streiter hit a baseline jumper with eight minutes to go to put the Bobcats ahead for good, 54-52.
At nationals, the Bobcats edged York 91-90 in the quarter-finals and beat Winnipeg in the semifinals 85-81 before dropping a 73-65 decision against the Victoria Vikes in the final.
The late Jerry Abernathy was an all-Canadian in 1979-80. He led the country in rebounding at 13.9 per game. The 'Human Eraser' was named an all-star at the national tournament.
Fred Lee was named GPAC player of the year, an all-Canadian and a tournament all-star. The native of Brooklyn, New York had a brilliant season with the Bobcats, averaging 24 points per game.
Keith Streiter was named a league all-star, while
Jerry Hemmings earned GPAC and CIAU Coach of the Year honours.
Among the other highlights that season was a seven-game European tour where Bobcats finished with a 5-and-2 record.
