PARIS (France) - Lithuania captialized on the absence of superstar Jimmer Fredette to register a 20-18 win and their second victory on day three after surviving a gallant effort from USA. 

    PARIS (France) - Lithuania captialized on the absence of superstar Jimmer Fredette to register a 20-18 win and their second victory on day three after surviving a gallant effort from USA at the Paris Olympics. 

    USA's first Olympic win in men's 3x3 will have to wait as they slip to a record of 0-3 and face a fight to avoid early elimination. But they produced a brave effort playing without a sub and could have forced OT only for Canyon Barry to miss a two at the buzzer. 

    USA were desperate for victory, but they were dealt a blow with Fredette ruled out after suffering a groin injury against Poland late on day two. He is listed as day-to-day. 

    The Americans had their work cut out in humid conditions, but started strongly through Canton Barry, who gave USA the early lead. 

    With Fredette barking instructions on the sidelines, USA played with determination as glue guy Dylan Travis did all the little things while big fella Kareem Maddox dominated inside. 

    But they couldn't shake off Lithuania, who appeared likely to run over a tiring USA.  They were fresher as exemplified by a massive block from Gintautas Matulis on Travis at the rim. 

    The normally lethal Lithuanians went cold as the game came down to a nerve-jangling finale. Lithuania finally heated up with Matulis hitting consecutive big twos before holding on after one last push from the USA. 

    It capped a successful day three for Lithuania, who had posted their first win of the tournament earlier against Poland. 

    Key Player: Star Aurelijus Pukelis was outstanding as usual with 7 points and 9 rebounds in an intriguing battle with Maddox. But Matulis proved the difference with his clutch shooting down the stretch, while his thunderous block on Travis prompted 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs' from the packed crowd. 

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