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 U.S. defeats Australia once again
Posted: Sunday September 19, 1999 11:50 AM
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Natalie Williams had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the United States women's basketball team to a 94-68 championship win over Australia on Saturday in the USA Basketball International Invitational. The victory was the third in a row for the Americans over the Opals in the tournament. The United States finished with a 7-0 record, while Australia wound up 3-4. "Every time you beat somebody, it has a carryover," U.S. coach Nell Fortner said about the rivalry between the two teams, considered two of the favorites in the Sydney Olympics. "A year from now, we probably won't even remember the games," countered Australian guard Michele Timms, who scored 18 points on seven-of-12 shooting and hit three of five from 3-point distance. Lisa Leslie also played well for the Americans, scoring 18 points and hitting 10 of 11 free throws. The Americans dominated the boards (48-25) and had 58.2 percent shooting from the field. In the bronze medal game, Poland cruised past inexperienced Brazil 84-63 as Kryztyna Szymanska-Lara scored 17 points on six-of-eight shooting. Margo Dydek, who played with Szymanka-Lara on the Utah Starzz, had 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots for Poland (3-4). Kelly da Silva Santos continued her impressive play, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds to lead Brazil (1-6).
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