Hailey Van Lith of Team USA expressed her frustration with the officiating in the team's semifinal loss to Spain in the women's 3x3 basketball tournament, claiming the referees favored the opposing team.
Team USA's hopes of defending their gold medal in the women's 3x3 basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics were dashed after they fell to Spain in the semifinals. The defeat marked a disappointing end to the United States' campaign, which had begun with high expectations given their dominance in the sport.
After the game, Hailey Van Lith, a star player for Team USA, did not hold back in her criticism of the officiating.
Team USA Women's 3x3 Star Blames Referees for Semifinal Loss
"This was 1,000% BS. Those refs wanted the U.S. to lose," Van Lith said. "They were flopping left and right. They are not that good. Great job, ladies, we know who should have won."
Van Lith's comments echoed a sentiment recently expressed by ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst, who suggested that the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) may have an agenda against the United States in the 3x3 tournament.
Team USA Women's 3x3 Star Blames Referees for Semifinal Loss
"FIBA doesn’t really want the USA to do good at three-on-three basketball. They really want that to be for countries that can’t field five-on-five teams," Windhorst said. "So, they do all these things, like they have all these different layers and layers of things you have to do to qualify. … The only way you can play is if you play in, like, 15 qualifying events."
Van Lith's teammate, Cierra Burdick, took a more diplomatic approach in her post-game comments.
Team USA Women's 3x3 Star Blames Referees for Semifinal Loss
"Not the medal we wanted, obviously, but I don't want to take away from the moment," Burdick said. "A lot of gratitude, a lot of blood, sweat and tears were invested into this. That's so cliché, but it's so true."
Despite Van Lith's outburst, Team USA rebounded from the semifinal disappointment to secure the bronze medal with a victory over Canada. However, the loss to Spain remains a bitter pill for the American team, who had envisioned a different outcome.
The setback also highlights the challenges facing the United States in the 3x3 format, which is still relatively new to the Olympic program. The Americans have yet to find the same level of success in 3x3 as they have in traditional basketball, where they have consistently been among the top contenders.
As the 3x3 tournament continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the United States will adjust and adapt to the unique demands of the game. The officiating controversy surrounding Team USA's semifinal loss will undoubtedly add to the ongoing debate about the fairness and impartiality of the officiating in 3x3 basketball.
