PARIS — Tiffany Hayes scored 11 points, including the go-ahead basket late, to lead Azerbaijan to a 20-17 win over the U.S. in women’s 3×3 basketball pool play at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, dropping the defending champions to 0-2.
The game was tied when Hayes, who plays for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, drove into the lane and finished with a layup to put Azerbaijan on top 18-17 with 6 seconds to go.
The U.S. had a chance to regain the lead, but Hailey Van Lith’s 2-pointer was off.
A desperation foul by the U.S. led to two free throws by Alexandra Mollenhauer to secure the victory.
The U.S. team was among the favorites to win again in these games. But so far the team has struggled and lost to Germany in the opener.
Dearica Hamby had 7 points and 5 rebounds to lead the U.S. She joined the team this summer after Cameron Brink sustained a knee injury. Van Lith added 5 points.
“We have to have short-term memory and move on to the next one,” Hamby said.
Sandra Ygueravide scored 9 points and Vega Gimeno added 7…
