Panthers in Taiwan: Final Jones Cup update
MIAOLI CITY, TAIWAN - The Chapman University women's basketball team wrapped up play in the 34th William Jones Cup international basketball tournament on Tuesday with a 112-47 loss to the Chunghwa Telecom Women's Team (Taipei). The loss gave the Panthers a disappointing 0-5 record in the tournament after losing to the India National Team 111-67 on Monday.
However, the impact that Taiwan had on the Panthers off the court - and vice-versa - has far exceeded anything that could have been accomplished on it.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel for the Chapman women abroad as a unit has been - by all accounts - inspiring, creating memories that will last longer than any highlights from the games.
And Taiwan, in particular Miaoli County and its mayor, welcomed and embraced Chapman University with open arms. At the Mayors Reception Dinner at the start of the tournament, the Panthers were the only team the mayor wanted to take a picture with after the dinner following the Chapman-led singing (and dancing) of YMCA.
photo courtesy Beverly Ito
Local media has written stories about Chapman players, like this one from TSNA about senior F Stephanie Servin. Also, many local fans have taken to rooting for Chapman in the tournament, including waiting after the games to take pictures with Panther players. One that has become a fan favorite is undersized freshman G Brittany Quon, covered in another story by TSNA here. Some young girls even made a sign saying "Go Fighting Brittany!"
photo courtesy Brandi Hood
Here are the highlights of the final two games for Chapman:
Day 4: India 111, Chapman 67
Junior G Emily McCoy continued her hot play as the Panthers' leading scorer once again, netting a tournament-high 16 points, while freshman G Andrea Villanueva added 11 points. The Panthers, however, were no match for India which shot 71 percent from the floor (36 of 51) in the game.
Day 5: Chunghwa Telecom 112 (Taipei), Chapman 47
A different hometown team with similar results, the Panthers faced local Chunghwa which finished the tournament in second place with a 4-1 record. Sophomore G Kimi Takaoka was Chapman's leading scorer with a team-best 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting, including a three-pointer. Servin added 10 and four rebounds.
The Cathay Women's Team (Taipei) won the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.
For more coverage of the Chapman women's basketball team's trip to Taiwan, read senior C Brandi Hood's blog.
Fans can also find boxscores and see photos at: http://www.taiwanhoops.com/
by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director
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