Pan Am Basketball: USA Defeats Dominican Republic, Wins Bronze Medal

Team USA went on a bit of a bad streak with losses to Uruguay and Mexico after winning their first two games the 2011 Pan-Am Games in Guadalajara. They righted the ship on Sunday, however, with a 94-92 victory over Jack Michael Martinez and the Dominican Republic to win the bronze medal.

Team USA had five players in double-figures, led by Lance Thomas's 14 points, but it was Justin Dentmon that provided the spark needed to propel the NBA Development League Americans down the stretch. Dentmon finished with 12 points and five assists, Marcus Lewis put in 12 points to go with his seven rebounds, Donald Sloan scored 11 points and Leo Lyons rounded out double-digit scorers with 10 points.

The Dominican Republic was led by Bemidji State alum (Go Beavers!) Ely Guzman with 25 points and nine rebounds while fellow big man J.M.M. scored 21 points to go with nine rebounds of his own while dealing with an undisclosed shoulder injury. Jack Michael then led a spirited post-game singalong that was, for lack of a better word, beautiful.

There should be more coverage here on Monday morning regarding the D-Leaguers' play in the Pan-Am Games.