Low, who will be a senior at Washington State, shot 7 of 13 from the field and added three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 33 minutes of playing time. Low did not play in Team USA's first game, and logged a little more than a minute in the second — both losses. He started the last three games, leading the U.S. to three straight victories.

"Derrick Low came up huge," said Team USA head coach Jay Wright. "Derrick really became a leader of this team on the floor. I'm so happy for him. I think he learned a great life lesson.

"He didn't play a lot early, but when he got his opportunity he took advantage of it and was ready to go. Then he took it to another level by being a leader on the floor for us, making all the big plays. He actually got a big rebound, too, at the end, the smallest guy on the floor, to seal the win."

Shan Foster (Vanderbilt) and D.J. White (Indiana) each finished with 14 points for Team USA, which fell behind 49-36 early in the third quarter. Maarty Leunen (Oregon) scored 10 of his 12 points in the quarter as the U.S. closed to 56-54 after three.

Low then took control in the fourth quarter, scoring the first six points to give the U.S. a 60-56 lead.

"I just try and be aggressive during that time in the game," Low said. "Point guards have to take on the leadership and you gotta do whatever you gotta do to win. I thought I had a pretty good rhythm because I had a little advantage over the opponent guarding me and I just tried to use that and make plays and fortunately I did."

The teams traded baskets and with 1:34 to go Panama owned a 71-70 lead.

Low then beat his defender with a drive that put the U.S. ahead to stay at 72-71 with 1:13 to play. On Team USA's next possession, Low did it again and was fouled on the basket that made it 74-71. Low missed the ensuing free throw and Panama hurried down court but missed a 3-pointer, and Low came up with the rebound.

A free throw by White and two by Leunen allowed the U.S. to hold on down the stretch.

"Panama has some good players and they're going to get theirs," Low said. "We eventually had to keep on fighting, just keep on fighting, and keep on trying to rebound and defend. As good of players as they are, I was sure they're not going to make shots like they did all game long. We just stuck together and beat them as a team, beat them together."

Low said he enjoyed the experience of playing in the Pan Am Games.

"There was good competition and it was pretty fun being able to play with a bunch of guys that got together a couple of weeks ago," he said. "It's not only about basketball, I had fun getting to know these guys and developing a relationship with them."