TORONTO (2015 Pan American Games) - The United States had to come from behind to defeat Cuba, 65-64, while Canada showed its dominance over Brazil, 91-63 and so the North Americans teams will fight for the gold of the Toronto Pan American Games, while Brazil and Cuba will meet for the bronze medal.

Cuba began its Semi-Final against USA, showing their speed and were able to take an 11-point lead at the end of the first half, 37-26.

On their return from the dressing room, USA established their game and created a 20-11 quarter to close the gap on the scoreboard. The Cubans reacted and continued to produce, but the coached by Lisa Bluder continued at pace and tied the score at 61.

From there began the exchange and with 13 seconds left, Ineidis Casanova scored and Cuba had a one point lead, 64 - 63. Cuba fouled Linnae Harper and sent her to the line, she scored her two tries to give USA the advantage and victory, 65 - 64.

The other semi-final of the day, faced Brazil and the locals, Canada. Lisa Thomaidis team dominated the match from the initial jump, imparting a 22-9 first quarter.

The home team continued to produce and headed to the victory against a team of Brazil that couldn’t find a way to close the gap on the scoreboard. The Canadian victory was 91 - 63. So the game for the gold medal, will face the United States and Canada, while Cuba and Brazil will play for the bronze.

In one of the other games of the day, Venezuela faced the Dominican Republic for seventh place. Venezuela dominated from start to finish and took the victory, was 72 - 56.

In the game for fifth place, Argentina took advantage of the absence of the Puerto Rican Carla Cortijo and dominated the Puerto Rican team, 77-56, to finish in fifth place at the Pan American Games.


FIBA