Scorecard

BAD TRIP

The United States entry in the Intercontinental Cup basketball series returned home from Europe last week with few good words to say for international competition. The U.S. team, a group of Metro Conference all-stars, finished its two-week tour with a 2-3 record, beating Israel and Belgium and losing to Italy, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union.

What ruined the trip for the Americans, however, was not their record but the referees, who, Coach Gale Catlett of Cincinnati charged, were "either incompetent or just plain cheating." While we are as weary as anyone of having to listen to losing basketball coaches complain interminably about officiating, perhaps Catlett's claim has validity. In the five games, 164 fouls were called against the U.S. compared to 114 for the opposition. The Americans outscored the Europeans from the field 204-172, but the Europeans made 165 of 224 free throws while the Americans sank 74 of 137.

A 107-85 loss to Italy epitomized the U.S. frustration. Officials George Turner of England and Alfred Drost of West Germany whistled 45 fouls against the Americans and only 18 against the Italians, who went to the free-throw line 72 times. Seven U.S. players fouled out of the game and only four were available in the last 1:34 of competition.

"I know it means a lot to those countries to beat the United States," Catlett says, "but how far can they go? If officiating like this continues, I'd recommend the U.S. not compete in the Intercontinental Cup again."