1993 WOMEN'S R. WILLIAM JONES CUP

Taipei, Taiwan - June 27-July 4, 1993

Defending Jones Cup champions, the United States was upended twice en route to a 5-2 record and the bronze medal at the 1993 R. William Jones Cup.

1993 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Team 1993 USA RESULTS (5-2) Japan 96 USA 84 ROC-Cathay Life 63 USA 60 USA 64 Finland 53 USA 81 South Korea 75 USA 97 ROC-Tai Yien 61 USA 76 Russia 74 USA 71 Russia 69 1993 R. WILLIAM JONES CUP FINAL STANDINGS 1. Rep. of China-Cathay Life (6-1) 5. Rep. of China-Tai Yien (2-5) 2. Japan (6-1) 6. Finland (3-4) 3. USA (5-2) 7. South Korea (0-6) 4. Russia (3-4)

The youthful crew got off to a slow start, dropping a 96-84 decision to Japan, despite 20 points from University of Tennessee center Vonda Ward, and another to Republic of China - Cathay Life, 63-60.

Putting the two losses behind them, the U.S. regrouped and finished with five consecutive wins, including two close victories over Russia, 76-74 in the semifinals, and 71-69 in the bronze medal game.

Behind 24 points from 6'2' University of Washington standout Rhonda Smith, the USA's first victory came against Finland, 64-53. Leading 34-30 at halftime, the U.S. managed to score just one point in the second half's first five minutes, but still led 35-34. The USA then opened up a 39-34 lead and Finland never came closer than five points.

The U.S. next downed South Korea 81-75 with the help of Smith's 28 points. Entering the second half with a 43-37 advantage, the USA allowed South Korea to inch within one point, 70-69, with four minutes remaining in the contest. The U.S. then went on a 7-1 offensive spurt to take charge 77-70 and went on to earn the 81-75 victory.

The USA registered its third straight win after recording a convincing 97-61 victory over Republic of China - Tai Yien behind a balanced scoring attack that saw all 12 U.S. players score and Smith once again led the team with 15 points.

In their final preliminary contest, the USA earned a hard fought 76-74 victory over Russia with the help of last minute free throws from 6'3' Anita Clinton and 6'1' Sara Wilson. The outcome ensured a rematch as both teams advanced to the bronze medal game.

In their final contest, the USA led 36-24 at halftime and continued to carry a 12-point advantage through the first 14 minutes of the second half, but Russia rallied one last time. Putting together a 13-6 run over the next four minutes, Russia pulled within five points, 71-66, with 2:00 to play. Russia's Panteleeva was fouled attempting a three-point shot and was sent to the line with less than 30 seconds remaining in the contest. Making all three shots, Russia pulled within two at 71-69, but the USA successfully inbounded the ball and ran out the clock to earn the bronze medal.

With a 6-1 record, Republic of China - Cathay Life earned the 1993 R. William Jones Cup title after a 117-114 double overtime victory over Japan in the gold medal contest.