Taipei, Taiwan - August 23-27, 1998

Guided by USA Basketball Women's National Team head coach Nell Fortner, the 1998 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Team, behind a balanced offensive effort and a stifling defense, claimed the gold medal and finished with a perfect 5-0 record.

1998 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Team 1998 USA RESULTS (5-0) USA 62 ROC-National 55 USA 75 South Korea 48 USA 68 Japan 26 USA 67 Thailand 40 USA 55 Senegal 28 1998 R. WILLIAM JONES CUP FINAL STANDINGS 1. United States (5-0) 2. Republic of China - Nat. Team (4-1) 3. Japan (2-3) 4. Senegal (2-3) 5. Thailand (1-4) 6. South Korea (1-4)

Leading the USA was 5-10 guard Semeka Randall who finished as the only U.S. scorer to average in double digits with 10.6 ppg. The USA was further aided by 6-2 center Tamika Whitmore, 9.8 ppg. and 6.2 rpg., 6-2 forward Lynn Pride, 9.0 ppg. and 7.0 rpg., and 6-1 forward Tamika Catchings, 6.4 ppg.

The U.S. opened with a 62-55 win over eventual silver medalist Republic of China behind a double-double effort of 15 points and 16 rebounds from Pride. After owning a 35-30 halftime lead, the Americans jumped to its largest lead of the game 58-43 with 7:01 to play. Although the Republic of China outscored the U.S. 12-4 to close out the contest, the Americans held on for its first win.

One day later, Randall scored eight of the USA's first 14 points, and finished with a game high 19, to lead the U.S. to a 75-48 victory over South Korea.

Behind a balanced scoring effort that saw all 12 USA players score, the USA routed previously undefeated Japan 68-26. By halftime, the United States had built a 40-16 lead and remained in complete control in the second half for its third victory. The balanced offensive effort was paced by 6-6 center Summer Erb and Whitmore who accounted for nine points each, while Whitmore also recorded a game high 12 rebounds.

Behind another balanced USA scoring attack that featured 14 points from 6-3 center Angie Braziel, the United States easily defeated Thailand 67-40. Taking it to Thailand right from the opening tip, the U.S. took a commanding 40-16 lead to the locker room at halftime. The gap was insurmountable for Thailand and the U.S. went on to earn its fourth straight win.

The USA earned a lopsided 55-28 victory over Senegal in the its final Jones Cup game to remain undefeated and to reclaim the gold medal. The U.S. jetted out to a 14-0 lead and at halftime the score stood at a lopsided 29-10. Senegal cut the USA lead to 13 points, 37-24, with 9:20 to play, but the United States closed out the contest with an 18-4 offensive run to earn the 55-28 victory and the gold medal. The U.S. was aided in the win by 5-11 forward Peppi Browne with nine points, Erb added eight and Randall finished with seven points.

1998 USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Statistics