Defending champions USA drop 3×3 women’s basketball opener to Germany
The reigning US women’s champions lost 17-13 to Germany on Tuesday in the opening game of the group stage of the 3×3 basketball tournament.
Hailey Van Lith led the U.S. with six points. But she struggled after the game and said she thinks the heat aggravated an illness she was already battling.
“I think I have a cold,” she said. “I think it was from the rain during the opening ceremony. So I think it’s a combination of that, but I’m fine. I played in the NCAA tournament, so there’s nothing that can take me out.”
(Technically it’s just standing in the rain and cold is not what makes people sickBut if you are in these conditions for a long time, it may affect your immune system or cause existing symptoms to persist.)
Sonja Greinacher had five points and six rebounds to lead Germany in the standings, while Marie Reichert added five points.
The US took a 5-0 lead, but Germany scored the next six points, three of which came from Elisa Mevius, to take the lead.
Van Lith made a layup and then passed to Dearica Hamby for another basket, cutting Germany’s lead to 11-10 with about three minutes left.
Greinacher connected on a two-point shot for Germany before another basket from Van Lith brought the U.S. within one with about 90 seconds left. This time, Germany scored the next four points, with two each from Greinacher and Reichert to sneak away for the win.
“It obviously gives us a lot of confidence for the future,” said Greinacher.
The difference came down to long-range shots. The US made just 1 of 8 two-point shots (13%), while Germany made 4 of 10 two-point shots (40%).
Cierra Burdick was disappointed with the team’s opening Olympic match, but she said it’s not surprising they still have work to do since they haven’t been playing together that long. Hamby replaced Cameron Brink on the team this summer after Brink suffered a knee injury.
The U.S. entered this summer’s Games as overwhelming favorites to defend its title, with Germany seen as a dead heat to advance beyond the group stage. The group stage resumes on Wednesday with the U.S. taking on Azerbaijan and Germany taking on Australia.