The United States won the women's basketball gold medal with a 79-66 win over host Brazil Thursday at the 15th Pan American Games.
The two teams fought a close first half and Brazil led by one point 34-33 at interval. But the Americans quickened their pace later in the third quarter to take the initiative and went on in the fourth quarter to wrap up the match.
"It was a very tough match until the end," said American player Matee Ajavon, "I guess Brazil, even being a more experienced team, couldn't deal with the pressure of being host. We were focused on our goals, and we won it."
"The gold medal is a reward for our hard training and good team work. I'm really happy and for me it's an honor to be the Pan American champion."
Ajavon said her next dream was to play in Olympic Games: "Every team, every player wants to be successful in the Olympic Games. I'm going to work hard to have the chance to fight for a medal in Beijing."
Earlier in the bronze medal match, Cuba beat Canada 62-49 for the third place.
"I really didn't expect such a good performance in the match today, or being the top scorer either," said Cuban player Yakelyn Plutin, "I injured my leg in the first game of the tournament. I'm still recovering from it. But, with anesthetics, I could overcome the pain and play well."
Source: Xinhua
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