TOKYO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States was edged by host Japan in a 20-18 thriller, suffering their first loss in 3x3 women's basketball here on Tuesday at Tokyo 2020.
The U.S. team was pushed to the limit by Japan's solid defense and determination to fight to the last second.
The U.S. used a 5-0 run to begin the game with the upper hand, before Japan clawed back to tie at 8-8. The U.S. tried to pull away with a 5-1 run but Japan's defense kept the U.S. within range.
Japan again cut the deficit to even the game at 17-17. Mio Shinozaki scored a 2-pointer, putting Japan in the lead, and with 31 seconds to go, Mai Yamamoto added one point to secure a 20-18 victory for Japan.
"I am really, really happy. I thought they might beat us, but I strongly believed we could beat them. We knew we had to do it. We wanted it and we made it," said Japan's Stephanie Mawuli.
"Yesterday we lost to China but we learned a lot from the Chinese team, their determination to win and fight to the last moment," she added.
After losing to Japan, U.S. coach Kara Lawson said, "I thought we played well. Japan is good. That is sport. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose."
With a 6-1 win-loss record, the U.S. team has secured a berth in the semifinals. Lawson said that every team is very different in terms of how they play and what their strengths are. "So whenever we figure out who is our opponent, we will lock in, and we will need to play our best." Enditem
原文地址：http://english.sina.com/sports/2021-07-27/detail-ikqciyzk7930812.shtml