VALDIVIA, Chile -- Candace Parker scored 21 points and Katie Smith added two late 3-pointers to help the United States hold off Cuba 85-79 in its opening game at the FIBA Americas tournament on Wednesday.
With the score tied at 71 midway through the fourth quarter, Smith hit consecutive 3-pointers to make it 77-71. She finished with 13 points.
Cuba answered with a basket to close within four, but Parker made one of two free throws, Seimone Augustus added a layup and Parker knocked down a jumper to put the game away.
Diana Taurasi added 16 points for the U.S. (1-0).
Yakelyn Plutin led Cuba (0-1) with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
After finishing third at the World Championships, the United States was forced to play in the FIBA Americas tournament. Only the winner of the tournament will earn an automatic bid for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The United States will face Jamaica on Thursday. Jamaica lost to Canada 68-47 in its opening game on Wednesday.
Cuba led by one at the half. The Cubans extended the advantage to 58-55 at the end of the third quarter before the U.S. rallied.
