U.S. routs Puerto Rico at Pan Ams

TORONTO – After a resounding victory over Venezuela in their Pan Am Games opener, the United States men looked even more impressive in romping to a 102-70 victory over defending champion Puerto Rico.

“I think they’ve (Brazil) been playing as good or better than anybody in this tournament”, said USA and Gonzaga University head coach Mark Few.

UAB’s Anna Kimbrell had 2 RBI’s and FSU’s Michelle Snyder also had a hit and a run batted in.

The United States will wrap up preliminary round play tonight against Brazil.

Puerto Rico made a pair of free throws with 7:13 left in the second quarter to make the score 35-25, but from that point on it was all USA.

Keith Langford led Team USA with 17 points.

Trimble scored five points in each game off the bench for team USA, but has yet to find his groove. Once again, Chinese professional Bobby Brown and Puerto Rican professional (ironically) Damien Wilkins shined, with each scoring 16 and 15 points respectively.

Second, for the players who are fringe national players, the Pan Am Games provide a solid opportunity to get some worldwide experience before they return to their domestic professional leagues. The Morgan City, La., native added a steal in 10 minutes of play as all 12 USA members scored and recorded at least one rebound.

Puerto Rico, coached by Louisville’s Rick Pitino, shot 30 percent from the field and missed 24 of 27 threes. But once we get easy shots, then our 3-ball starts to fall.

“We just have to come out and be the tougher team (against Brazil)”, Valentine continued.

So why on Earth is Pitino coaching the Puerto Rico National Team in the Pan Am Games this week? Both teams are 2-0 and both will play in Friday’s semifinals against the top two teams from Pool B. The winners will play in the gold medal game Saturday.