The FIBA World Championships were Sunday and two former Huskies had everything to do with Team USA bringing home the gold. Maya Moore scored 18 points and Diana Taurasi added eight assists and a solid defensive effort in 77-64 victory over Spain in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sue Bird, another UConn product, became the most decorated player in world championship history with her fourth gold medal.
"It was a great win for us," Bird said, via the Associated Press. "We had one goal the entire time this team's been together and that's win a gold medal. A lot of people see a lot of talent and think it's going to be easy and it's not. Whenever you can win a gold medal and it's a tough journey, everyone's happy. I'm definitely proud of this team."
Bird's coach -- both on the national team and at UConn -- Geno Auriemma had only laudatory things to say afterwards.
"She's very indicative of what USA Basketball is. She's loyal, a great leader, everyone respects her," he said. "She's been the youngest player on the team and now's the oldest player on the team. She's seen it all and done it all. I think when you talk about USA Basketball in the future on the women's side. There have been a lot of great names and her name will be mentioned very early in the names of players who play for USA."
Moore, meanwhile, earned tournament MVP honors.
