Aerial Powers scored 27 points and Team USA broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to beat Canada 82-63 and win the gold medal in women's basketball at the World University Games on Monday in Gwangju, South Korea.
Team USA, which led by four points entering the fourth quarter, had a 34-18 edge in the final 10 minutes to win its sixth straight gold -- and 10th overall -- at the World University Games.
Congratulations! USA pulls away in second half to win gold at the World University Games! pic.twitter.com/OFbvcDQ1gr
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 13, 2015"It's a great honor," Team USA coach Joe McKeown said. "It's a great honor to represent the USA and to be able to coach this group. To see them jell together in a short period of time and play as well as they did together over here was really fortunate for all of us."
Courtney Williams, who was held scoreless in the first half despite averaging in double figures for the tournament, finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Powers, the team's leading scorer at 18 points per game, added nine rebounds.
"It feels great, and I'm so excited," Powers said. "I'm on cloud nine. I can't stop smiling ear-to-ear. I look at this thing and see all the hard work we put into it. Many don't get the chance to say they played for the USA, and many don't get to say they won a gold medal."
