Palma de Mallorca, Spain • July 5-12, 1999

The 1999 USA Basketball Women's World University Games Team traveled to Spain with the hopes of defending the gold, but was upended by undefeated host Spain 57-48 in the final contest and returned with the silver medal and a 4-2 record.

The U.S. finished the tournament with five players averaging in double figures for scoring with Katie Douglas leading the way with 17.7 ppg. LaQuanda Barksdale averaged 11.8 ppg., Camille Cooper 11.6 ppg., Ruth Riley 10.3 ppg., and Kelly Miller averaged 10.2 ppg. Brooke Wyckoff led the squad in rebounding, averaging 7.0 rpg.

Despite not winning its final battle, the USA team represented the country well, overcoming illness and injury on its way to the silver medal. Starting point guard Brandi McCain sprained her right knee in the opening contest and was out for the remainder of the games. In the final game, Andrea Garner and starting center Cooper were sidelined by a stomach illness.

Barksdale scored 15 points to lead six players in double figures as the USA earned a 107-89 victory over China to open preliminary pool play on July 6.

In its second contest the U.S. sprinted to a 67-11 halftime margin and never looked back as it dismantled South Africa 140-32 on July 8. Kelly Miller led eight players who scored in double digits with 24 points. In addition, the 140 point output broke the previous all-time USA single game scoring record of 135 set in 1991 against Romania.

Despite a team high 18 points from Barksdale, the USA fell to Ukraine 81-70 on July 7. The U.S. trailed 40-35 at the half and with 7:08 remaining the score was knotted at 57-57. However, in the remaining minutes the USA committed nine fouls, resulting in 14 points for Ukraine, and closed with the 81-70 loss.

The Purdue duo of Cooper and Douglas combined for 39 points and 13 rebounds as the Americans rebounded from its loss and defeated Lithuania 82-67 in quarterfinal play on July 9.

Behind 18 points from Douglas, the U.S. earned an 87-79 victory over previously unbeaten Russia in the semifinal game. The USA held a 56-50 lead at halftime, but Russia tied it up at 67-67 with 11:38 to go. Riley hit two quick baskets as the Americans began to pull away. With 3:38 left, the U.S. increased its margin to 85-77 and went on to record the victory.

The United States was stopped short of its goal of earning the gold medal, falling to host Spain 57-48 to collect the silver medal on July 12.

The USA fell behind early, but remained within striking distance, 36-32, at the half. Outscoring Spain 10-5 to open the second half, the U.S. cut the deficit to 37-36 with 11:38 to go. Spain notched the games next six points and moved out in front by seven, 43-36, at 8:50 and with 1:57 remaining held its largest lead of the game, 51-42.

With 1:28 to go, Douglas knocked down a three- pointer to pull the U.S. within five points, 51-46. Spain scored on its next possession, but after Douglas missed a jumper, Barksdale grabbed the rebound and scored to keep the Americans within five points with 52 seconds remaining. Spain again scored on its next trip down the court and the United States missed its next three attempts, sealing its fate in the 57-48 loss.