Thursday, July 18, 2002

Jones Cup - Russia rout Taiwan to win women's title

Led by WNBA All-Star center Elena Baranova's 24 points and 9 rebounds, Russia women's NT routed Taiwan women's NT 84-60 tonight to win the 2002 Jones Cup Touranment with a perfect 5-0 record.

Baranova totaled 72 points and 48 rebounds in 5 games, making her the scoring leader, rebounding leader and MVP of the tournament. She played for the Miami Sol in 2001 WNBA season and was named to the All-Star Game that season but elected to go back home and play for the national team in the WC this year.

Center Cheng Huei-yun had 12 points to pace Taiwan NT, who will meet Russia once again in the World Championship preliminary round. Taiwan is placed in the same group with USA, Rusia and Lithuania.

Japan beat Malaysia 78-60 to finish the third place in the tournament.