U.S. Women, Remaining Perfect in Goodwill Basketball, Take Gold

The U.S. women’s basketball team, getting 18 points from Lisa Leslie, won its first gold medal in a major championship in four years by beating France, 87-63, Sunday at the Goodwill Games.

It was the third consecutive gold medal in the Goodwill Games for the U.S. women, who have a 14-0 record since the competition began in 1986. The Americans took the gold that year, and again in 1990.

It was their first gold medal since the 1990 world championships, however. Sheryl Swoopes added 14 points for the Americans. Dawn Staley, Ruthie Bolton-Holifield and Shanda Berry had 11 points each.

Catherine Melain led France with 16 points.

The United States led from the start, building a 39-19 lead at halftime. The closest the French came in the second half was a 17-point deficit.