Taipei, Taiwan -  July 1-14, 1981

The USA sent a young and talented squad to try and recapture the Jones Cup gold medal the Americans had last won in 1979. Whipping through it's first seven opponents by an average margin of 36.0 ppg., the U.S. fell in the final game to defending Jones Cup champions South Korea and earned the silver medal with a 7-1 record.

1981 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Team 1981 USA RESULTS (7-1) USA 86 Guatemala 37 USA 89 Canada 35 USA 87 F.R. Germany 70 USA 79 ROC - White 70 USA 89 ROC - Blue 72 USA 81 New Zealand 50 USA 75 Netherlands 53 South Korea 68 USA 64 1981 R. WILLIAM JONES CUP FINAL STANDINGS 1. South Korea (9-0) 9. Singapore (1-2)* 2. USA (7-1)   Sweden (1-2)* 3. R.O.C. Blue (6-3)#   Thailand (1-2)* 4. Netherlands (6-3)# 12. Great Britain (0-3)* 5. F. R. Germany (6-3)#   Guatemala (0-2)* 6. R.O.C. White (4-5)   Hong Kong (0-3)* 7. New Zealand (3-6)   Philippines (0-3)* 8. Canada (1-7)   #Standings determined by point differential between tied teams. *Records reflect consolation round totals only

Opening against Guatemala, the Americans led 39-17 at the midway point and cruised to the 86-37 victory. Barbara Kennedy led the U.S. attack with 17 points, Regina Street recorded 16 and Joyce Walker and Jackie White each chalked up 14 points.

Following two days off, the U.S. thrashed Canada 89-35 behind 27 and 22 points from Walker and Kennedy, respecitvely.

After a day of rest, the United States contingent, led by White's 19 points, disposed of Germany 87-70.

The USA then defeated Republic of China - White 79-70. Walker again led the U.S. with 27 points, Kennedy added 24 and Street chipped in 16 points.

In its fifth contest, the USA jumped out to an early 20-10 lead in the first six minutes of action against then-undefeated Republic of China - Blue team. However, the R.O.C. - Blue squad rallied and led 44-40 at the half. Facing a halftime deficit for the first time in five games, the USA opened the second half with a 9-2 run to take the lead for good at 51-46. The U.S. continued to pull away and finally earned the 89-72 victory with the help of 23 points from Walker.

The United States earned two more easy victories, rolling over New Zealand 81-50 and the Netherlands 75-53, before facing defending champions South Korea in the gold medal final.

For the first time since the tournament began, the USA team found themselves with an even match-up. Both teams started the game swapping leads and with less than a minute to go in the half, the score was knotted at 34-34. Kennedy was fouled as she scored a basket at the end of the period and was sent to the line for the three-point play. Kennedy made the free throw and the U.S. took a 37-34 lead into the locker room.

South Korea began the second half by playing catch-up and with 10 minutes to go, the score was again tied at 49 apiece. Pulling away from the U.S., South Korea held a 64-55 advantage with less than two minutes remaining. Despite a 7-1 spurt to pull within three at 65-62, the U.S. was not able to close the gap further and fell to South Korea 68-64.

Republic of China - Blue defeated New Zealand 65-57 for the bronze medal.

Walker, who led the USA averaging 21.0 ppg., was named to the All-Tournament Team, along with White and Olkowski, who averaged 11.1 ppg. and 10.3. ppg., respectively.

1981 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Cumulative Statistics