CLEVELAND — Kevin Mackey, who coached Cleveland State to an improbable victory over Bob Knight-led Indiana in the 1986 NCAA Tournament on the way to a berth in the Sweet 16 but whose college coaching career ended abruptly under the cloud of drug abuse, died Tuesday. He was 79.

Mr. Mackey died of a sudden heart attack Tuesday, according to his son, Brian.

Mr. Mackey, who earlier coached at the high school level in Boston, had been an assistant at Boston College where he was known as a master recruiter when he was named head coach of Cleveland State in 1983.

He went 14-16 his first season with the Vikings, then had six straight winning years. He compiled a seven-year record of 144-67 at the school.

In 1985-86, the 14th-seeded Vikings went 29-4 and led by Ken “Mouse” McFadden beat No. 3 s

See Full Page