LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - In the game that determined the last place available at Beijing 2008, the United States faced Puerto Rico and tournament history repeated itself.

In the end the USA remained undefeated at the event with a 9-0 record and, alongside Argentina, became one of only two teams from the Americas with tickets to the Olympic Games in Beijing, 2008.

The first quarter opened with a quick basket by Carlos Arroyo from Puerto Rico. From that moment on, both teams exchanged leads until the 5:44 mark, when a lay-up by LeBron James put team USA in front 14-11.The first quarter ended with the local side in the lead, 33-27.

A jump shot by Kobe Bryant opened the second quarter, and ignited a rally of 10-3 which put the USA in front for the rest of the half. A great move by Jose Barea against Carmelo Anthony stopped the rally with 7:11 left on the clock. The main figures on the first half were Carlos Arroyo with eight points and four assists in 11:40 played and Kobe Bryant for the USA with 12 points in almost 14 minutes of action. The first half finished 57 - 42 in favour of the USA.

Carmelo Anthony opened the third quarter on fire, shooting for a mesmerising 4-4 from the three-point line, all this in the first three minutes of play. While the USA displayed great passing and confidence, Puerto Rico's offense became erratic, falling behind on the score by 31 points with 2:30 remaining. The quarter finished 100 - 70, USA in front.

The opening minutes of the fourth quarter were a continuation of the third, but with another character. Michael Redd scored four straight three-pointers, which proved to be the last blow to Puerto Rico's hopes. USA extended their lead after a rally of 21-2 in the first five minutes of action. From there, it was all USA's quick-hitting and pompous style. With 1:54 to play, the lead was 46 points. The game ended at 135 - 91.

For the USA, Anthony finished the game with 27 points (shooting for 6-7 from the three-point line and 5-6 from the free throw line). Redd scored 23 (15 of them came in the fourth quarter only).

Arroyo finished the game with 21 points and five assists, while Ayuso scored 22 points in the loss.

The USA will now face Argentina (4:00 p.m. Pacific Time), in the game for the gold medal. Puerto Rico will face Brazil at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).