ELEVENTH PAN AMERICAN GAMES -- 1991

Havana, Cuba - August 3-11, 1991

With high expectations back at home, the USA women's team entered the 1991 Pan American Games competition looking for a 'three-peat.' Two losses by a combined total of eight points, however, cost the United States the Pan Am hat trick and earned them the bronze.

1991 USA Women's Pan American Games Team 1991 USA RESULTS (4-2) USA 87 Canada 70 Brazil 87 USA 84 USA 97 Argentina 40 USA 91 Cuba 71 Cuba 86 USA 81 USA 92 Canada 61 1991 PAN AMERICAN GAMES FINAL STANDINGS 1. Brazil (6-0) 2. Cuba (3-3) 3. United States (4-2) 4. Canada (1-5) 5. Argentina (0-4)

The U.S. started-off impressively. Behind a 20-point performance by 6'0' Bridgette Gordon, the U.S. recorded a strong 87-70 win over its rival to the North, Canada.

Squaring off against South American power Brazil one day after defeating Canada, the Americans dominated the opening minutes, taking control 18-3 with 13:09 left. The USA's advantage reached 26-8, but Brazil reeled off 14 consecutive points to close the gap to 26-22. Foul trouble plagued the U.S. squad and by halftime Brazil had taken control, 45-40.

Neither team could pull away from the other in the second half, and after a Jennifer Azzi three-point basket the contest was even, 81-81 with 2:20 to play. Brazil's Hortencia Marcari hit a short jumper with 32 seconds remaining to give Brazil an 85-82 edge, but Katrina McClain scored on her own jumper to pull the U.S. within one, 85-84, with 18 seconds left. Forced to foul in the closing seconds, Brazil made two free throws in the final 14 seconds to secure the 87-84 upset. Teresa Edwards led the U.S. attack with 20 points and McClain added 16. The U.S. shot a dismal 39.7 percent from the field.

The United States answered the loss with a lopsided 97-40 victory over Argentina. Leading 52-30 by half, the U.S. aggressive defense limited Argentina to just 10 second-half points (three field goals). McClain led the U.S. with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Teresa Edwards accounted for 18 points.

Three days after the win over Argentina, in front of a standing-room only crowd numbering 15,000, the USA squad faced host Cuba, which one day earlier had fallen to Brazil 90-87. Although the outcome of this game would not make a difference in the semifinals matchup (the USA and Cuba were already scheduled to meet in the semifinals), the USA pulled out a 91-71 win. Leading by five, 45-40, at half, the U.S. went on a 17-4 scoring run at the start of the second half and never looked back. Four U.S. players notched double digit points as Teresa Edwards reached 20 for the third outing of the tourney. Gordon, Medina Dixon and Azzi chipped in 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively.

USA hopes of capturing the gold medal were dashed in the semifinals when Cuba avenged its earlier loss to the U.S. by handing the Americans an 86-81 defeat. Unlike the first game when the U.S. was able to get out and run, Cuba controlled the tempo and led at half 37-34. Cuba led 77-74 with 2:40 to play and Cuba's Regla Hernandez scored the host country's next six points and Cuba held off the U.S. for a 86-81 win. Hernandez finished with 28 points, while Teresa Edwards led the U.S. with 22.

Facing Canada in the bronze medal game, the contest was virtually over after the first six minutes as the USA women sprinted out to a 19-2 advantage and eventually settled for a 92-61 win. Teresa Edwards led the U.S. effort with 22 points, while McClain and Gordon each added 16 points.

Brazil went on to clinch the gold medal with a 97-76 victory over host Cuba.

1991 USA Women's Pan American Games Cumulative Statistics