Fukuoka, Japan • August 24 - September 1, 1995

The 1995 USA Women's World University Games Team bettered the USA's 1993 bronze medal finish by compiling a 6-1 overall record and capturing the silver medal in Fukuoka, Japan.

The USA opened preliminary play with three convincing victories, averaging 100.3 ppg. in the three wins while limiting their opponents to just 63.3 ppg. The United States toppled Ukraine 93-54, Mexico 100-78 and finally South Korea 108-58 to advance to the quarterfinals medal round. During the three-game U.S. attack, Georgia junior La'Keshia Frett led all USA scorers, averaging 17.7 ppg., while Charlotte Smith averaged 15.7 ppg., and Tina Thompson and Crawley averaged 12.7 ppg. and 12.3 ppg., respectively.

In their first quarterfinals matchup, the USA pounded host and eventual bronze medalist Japan 108-64 in front of a packed arena of 4,000 roaring Japanese fans. Charlotte Smith led the team with 20 points and eight rebounds, Crawley added 14 points.

The U.S. squad, led by Crawley's 25 points, improved its record to 5-0 when they defeated Yugoslavia 76-58 to advance to the medal round.

In semifinal action, the USA trio of Frett, Thompson and Charlotte Smith recorded double-doubles as the USA overcame Russia 101-74 to advance to the gold medal game. The U.S. trailed Russia for most of the first half, but rallied to tie the game at the half 45-45. Leading 65-63 with 9:40 to play, the U.S., behind 11 points from Thompson, broke the contest open with a 25-4 run to push its lead to 90-67 with 3:39 to go. Frett led the U.S. scoring with 20 points and recorded 13 rebounds, Thompson recorded a game high 16 rebounds and added 18 points while Charlotte Smith recorded 14 points, 14 rebounds and passed off for a game high seven assists.

Going into the final contest, the U.S. squad had sailed to six consecutive victories, with its smallest margin of victory being 18 points. As the gold medal contest began though, the unbeaten Italian team controlled the pace and opened the game with a 12-2 run over the first 3:18. Although Crawley scored the last eight points of the half for the United States, the U.S. team retired to the locker room trailing Italy 43-34.

The USA opened the second half by scoring the first six points, and eventually jumped ahead at 58-56 following a three-point basket by Katie Smith with 7:45 remaining. But the Italians regained control of the contest by scoring 10 straight points, then made seven of eight free throws to ice the 73-65 victory and the gold medal.

Plagued by poor shooting against Italy, the U.S. team managed to shoot just 38.8 percent (28-72) from the field, including four of 21 from three-point, and was outrebounded by the Italians 37-29. Crawley led the U.S. with 22 points.

1995 USA WOMEN'S WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES ROSTER

1995 USA Women's World University Games Cumulative Statistics