USA Upsets Argentina 74-71, Dorsey Plays 18 Minutes

U.S. Pan Am Team Upsets Argentina 74-71 Friday
Dorsey plays key role down the stretch in the victory.

July 27, 2007

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - The United States showed some resiliency in Pan American Games pool play Friday, posting a 74-71 upset win over previously unbeaten Argentina. The U.S. improved its record to 1-2.

University of Memphis' Joey Dorsey played 18 minutes and had three points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. The Tigers' 6-foot-9 forward played a crucial role in the win.

With under a minute to play and the U.S. clinging to a 73-71 lead, Dorsey came up with an offensive rebound off a Drew Neitzel (Michigan State) miss to give the Americans another possession. Then, with :22 left, D.J. White (Indiana) missed a jumper, and Dorsey came up with the loose ball and was fouled. The Baltimore, Md., native hit 1-of-2 free throws to extend the U.S. lead to 74-71 with :20.3 remaining.

But, Dorsey wasn't finished, as Argentina had two chances at three-point attempts to tie the contest. However, Dorsey got a piece of Argentina's second trey attempt just before the buzzer to seal the U.S. victory.

As in the previous two games, the U.S. dominated the glass, out-rebounding Argentina 42-27. However, the Americans defended better and it showed in the field goal percentage defense. After allowing opponents to shoot 50 percent or better in the first two games, the U.S. held Argentina to 43.8 percent from the floor.

White led all scorers with 22 points, while Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) grabbed a game-best nine boards. Roman Gonzalez led Argentina with 21 points and seven boards.

The U.S. now plays the U.S. Virgin Islands on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. (CT) in the consolation semifinals.