US, Latvia rule 1st Olympic 3x3 event

TOKYO — The USA women's team won the first Olympic 3x3 basketball title on Wednesday as they beat the Russian Olympic Committee team 18-15 in the final in Tokyo.

Stefanie Dolson of WNBA team Chicago Sky was the Americans' top scorer with seven points and Kelsey Plum contributed five points in the game that is played into just one basket.

Anastasiia Logunova's six points for the Russians were in vain.

The Americans were congratulated by IOC president Thomas Bach at Aomi Urban Sports Park.

China won the bronze medal after a 16-14 win over France.

Latvia took the men's title with a 21-18 win over the Russians as pre-tournament favorites Serbia had to settle for the bronze medal after beating Belgium 21-10 in the medal playoff.

The downsized form of basketball was added to the Olympic program in Tokyo in a bid to attract a younger audience. (AFP)