TENTH PAN AMERICAN GAMES -- 1987

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - August 7-23, 1987

With its attention focused sharply on repeating as the Pan American Games gold medalist, a feat the USA women had not accomplished since capturing consecutive titles at the 1963, 1959 and 1955 Pan American Games, the USA women emerged from the 1987 Pan American Games unbeaten and in possession of the gold medal.

1987 USA Women's Pan American Games Team 1987 USA RESULTS (4-0) USA 110 Peru 41 USA 84 Brazil 81 USA 85 Cuba 80 USA 111 Brazil 87 1987 PAN AMERICAN GAMES FINAL STANDINGS 1. USA (4-0) 5. Mexico (2-4) 2. Brazil (3-2) 6. Peru (0-5) 3. Canada (5-1) 7. Colombia (0-3) 4. Cuba (4-3)

Things, however, did not start smoothly for head coach Jody Conradt. First, 6'1' guard Cindy Brown injured her knee and missed the entire competition, then five minutes into the opening game against Peru, 5'5' starting point guard Kamie Ethridge injured her knee and would not play again in the competition. The team, however, overcame its adversities and marched to a 4-0 record to win the gold in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Opening game opponent Peru was no match for the powerful USA squad. Led by 14 points from Teresa Edwards, Clarissa Davis, Cynthia Cooper and Alisa Scott, the U.S. women placed eight players in double figures in a 110-41 thumping of Peru. A strong Brazilian team loomed next for the U.S. women and behind Edwards' 26 points (11-16 FGs), and strong efforts of 19 points and 12 rebounds from Katrina McClain as well as 14 points and 15 rebounds from Anne Donovan, the USA withstood a late Brazil rally for an 84-81 win.

Meeting Cuba for the right to advance to the gold medal game, the U.S. trailed at half 42-40 and trailed 54-47 with just under 16 minutes to play. Needing a spark, Coach Conradt called on USC 5'10' standout Cooper. Cooper came in off the bench and ignited the USA to a 23-6 second half scoring surge and the U.S. went on to claim an 85-80 win. Cooper led the U.S. with 14 points, while Davis, Edwards and McClain each accounted for 10 points in the victory.

Facing Brazil and its renowned player Hortencia Marcari again, this time in a game to decide the gold medal, the United States earned a 111-87 victory despite Marcari's 30 points. Leading 53-50 at half, the USA, behind McClain's 23 second-half points and 11 second-half rebounds outscored Brazil 58-37 and rolled to the victory. McClain finished with 30 points, while Edwards added 17 and Davis tossed in 16 points in the win.

1987 USA Women's Pan American Games Cumulative Statistics