McCoughtry's 20 lead U.S. to gold at Russian tourney

Fueled by a 23-0 run that covered the last half of the second quarter and the first two minutes of the third, the USA Women's National Team handed host UMMC Ekaterinburg a 78-63 defeat to win its third game in three days and claim the Ekaterinburg International Invitational championship Sunday in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The U.S. was led by Angel McCoughtry's 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Swin Cash (Seattle Storm) scored 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) added 11 points, and Tina Charles (University of Connecticut) had 10 points and eight rebounds. Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and contributed five points. In helping the U.S. capture the championship trophy and gold medal, St. Frances alum McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream) was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Bird was selected the invitational's Most Valuable Point Guard. "I can't be more proud and excited for the players on our team, how well we played, how well we executed, how strong we were throughout the whole game," USA and University of Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said. "Angel was spectacular - defensively, offensively."

Maryland Marvels: The American Basketball Association team will play an exhibition game against Maryland Bible College at 7 p.m. Saturday at Greater Grace Christian Academy. Admission is $5, and proceeds benefit Maryland Bible College.

- From Sun staff reports