LIMA, Peru – Team USA saved its best for last at the Pan American Games, rallying from a five-point deficit going into the fourth quarter and defeating Dominican Republic 92-83 in the bronze-medal game at Dibos Colisuem.  The squad of BIG EAST standouts outscored its opponent 32-18 in the final frame. 
 
Team USA, by far the youngest team in the field, finished Pan American Games play with a 3-2 record while playing five games in five days.
 
"We faced some adversity along the way," said head coach Ed Cooley, "and we bounced back every time.  I am so proud of the mental toughness of this group.  They were a pleasure to coach.  We're so proud to represent our country and the BIG EAST."
 
Guard Collin Gillespie (Villanova) scored 19 of his game-high 25 points in the second half of the bronze medal game, including 11 straight in the third quarter. 
 
Butler's Tyler Wideman, a 2018 graduate, played in all five games for Team USA, which consisted of players from BIG EAST universities.