U.S. can't defend gold in women's 3x3, beats Canada for bronze

The U.S. 3x3 women's basketball team captured a bronze medal by defeating Canada 16-13 in the third-place contest Monday.

The American team of Hailey Van Lith, Rhyne Howard, Cierra Burdick, and Dearica Hamby made the podium but was unable to defend its gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Despite a talented roster, the Americans had an up-and-down tournament, going 4-3 in pool play after losing their opening three contests. Once the U.S. escaped the group stages, the team was dominant in the quarterfinals against China before losing to Spain in the semifinals earlier on Monday.

Led by the Plouffe twins, Michelle and Katherine, the Canadians went 4-3 in the group phase before sweeping aside Australia in the first knockout round. Canada then lost to Germany in the semifinals 16-15.

The fourth-place finish from Canada is its best-ever result - men's or women's - in 3x3 Olympic hoops since the event was added at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Germany defeated Spain 17-16 in the finals to capture its first-ever gold medal in the event.