Aug. 3, 2003
Despite playing three solid quarters of defense against a more experienced and tougher Puerto Rican squad, the USA Pan American Games team was unable to hold on to a nine-point lead going into the final period as Puerto Rico rallied for a 86-85 win. Andre Barrett (Seton Hall/Bronx, N.Y.) guided the USA with 16 points and took full responsiblity of the guard roll after Rickey Paulding (Missouri/ Detroit, Mich.) only played eight minutes after banging his right knee early in the game. Arthur Johnson (Missouri/Detroit, Mich.) pitched in 15 points, Emeka Okafor (Connecticut/Houston, Texas) added 11, and Ike Diogu (Arizona State/Garland, Texas) rounded out the double digit USA scorers with 10, respectively. The USA men will face Uruguay, who defeated Argentina early tonight 84-81, at 3 p.m. tomorrow.
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