Aug. 24, 1997

Curtis Staples Scores 14 Points in USA Victory

UVa Player in Starting Lineup for World University Games Team '97

ALCAMO, Sicily, Italy -- University of Virginia guard Curtis Staples (Roanoke, Va.) moved into the starting lineup Saturday (August 23) and scored 14 points as the United States defeated Great Britain on the second day of preliminary round play at the Word University Games. The victory improved the United States' record to 2-0 in the competition.

Staples also had a game-high six steals, grabbed four rebounds, had one assist and just one turnover in a team-high 27 minutes of action.

"I felt like we came together, especially in the second half," Staples said. "It was a pretty aggressive game in the first half and we stepped up to the challenge. Everybody played together and played hard in the second half."

The United States led 38-27 at halftime, but Great Britain opened the second half with a three-point basket by Adrian Fulton to cut the lead to eight points. The United States then went on a 16-0 run, with Staples scoring seven of the points, to open a 54-30 lead with 15:40 left in the game.

Earl Boykins of Eastern Michigan led the United States with 16 points, and Ansu Sesay of Mississippi and Brian Skinner of Baylor each added 11 points. Skinner had a game-high eight rebounds.

The United States team continues preliminary round action with a game against Hong Kong (1-1) on Sunday (August 24).