Rhyne Howard led the way for the defending champions, scoring 22 points in a 74-59 win at Coliseo Roberto Clemente.

Brazil took the bronze medal after defeating Canada 87-82 in double overtime.

The triumph handed the US, who went unbeaten throughout the tournament, a fourth AmeriCup crown following successes in 1993 and 2007, as well as 2019 when the tournament also took place in Puerto Rico. 

The home side led 21-17 after the end of the first quarter before the US cut the deficit to two points at the halfway stage.

The third stanza proved crucial as the US put together a 21-11 run to ensure they went into the final period in front.

The US further extended their advantage early on before the lights went out inside the arena, causing a 25-minute delay which also included an an impromptu dance battle between the two teams at half court.

When play resumed, the US held their nerve to close out a battling victory and consign the hosts to the silver medal.

"We compiled a group of young, college, talented young ladies that made a commitment to come to this tournament, knowing that we would be out-experienced," said US head coach Dawn Staley.

"But they worked hard throughout the trials, they worked hard throughout the training camp, and we just kind of let them know that these are grown women you're going to play against. 

"These are professional women's basketball players that you're going to play against, and we're going to have to utilise our depth, utilise our talent, utilise our ability to have played on a big stage in college. 

"ut coming here and playing was a great experience with them."