Panthers in Taiwan: William Jones Cup update
MIAOLI COUNTY, TAIWAN - The Chapman University women's basketball team is finding international competition to be, umm, a bit out of its comfort zone. The Panthers have traveled to Taiwan this week to represent the USA in the 34th Annual William Jones Cup international basketball tournament and after three days of competition Chapman is 0-3, while facing teams that are experienced in the highest levels of world play.
Day 1: Cathay Women (Taipei) 102, Chapman 28
Just one week after resuming practices and following a 14-hour flight on Thursday and landing early Saturday morning in Taiwan (they missed Friday altogether), the Panthers could be forgiven for not playing their best basketball on Saturday night. Not only that, but Chapman was facing one of the host teams from Chinese Taipei, the Cathay Women who took advantage of the Panthers all game long in defeating Chapman 102-28. Junior G Emily McCoy and senior F Liz Hartnett each scored seven points to lead Chapman and Hartnett had a team-high nine rebounds in the loss.
Day 2: Japan 113, Chapman 48
Although some rest helped the Panthers score more, they were still no match for the Japanese National team, particularly in the second half as Chapman was out-scored 55-20 en rout to a 113-48 defeat. McCoy and Hartnett again led the way with eight points apiece and Hartnett added eight rebounds and three assists.
Day 3: Malaysia 75, Chapman 50
The Panthers showed some major signs of improvement on Day 3, earning both their highest scoring effort of the tournament and holding their opponents to their lowest in a 75-50 loss to Malaysia. After 11 consecutive quarters of being out-scored, Chapman put together its best quarter yet by posting a 21-12 advantage in the fourth. Three Panthers reached double-digits in scoring, including a double-double by senior F Stephanie Servin who finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds. McCoy and sophomore G Kimi Takaoka each netted 10 points in the loss.
Play resumes on Tuesday and Wednesday with the Panthers slated to take on unbeaten Chunghwa Telecom (Taipei) and the India National Team.
by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director
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