Jimmer Fredette and the U.S. men’s 3×3 basketball team are doing everything to clinch their first Olympic victory after falling to Poland, 19-17, on Wednesday.
The team may face further challenges due to an apparent injury to Fredette, now 0-2 in pool play.
Fredette, who formerly played for BYU basketball, requested medical attention around the midway point of Wednesday’s match and was seen on the sidelines where his left leg was being massaged.
Fredette and his teammates were unable to catch up to Poland before time expired, despite reentering the game after receiving medical care.
Poland gained an early advantage partly due to their size, while the U.S. team struggled from the start, including 7’1″ player Adrian Bogucki.
Poland in a lucky game led by as many as five points early on, and the U.S. team narrowed the gap to two points with almost six minutes to go.
Fredette’s discomfort, including turnovers and poor shooting, ultimately prevented Team USA from tying the game.
The team got within 2 points with less than a minute left, but Poland’s effort was standard as they maintained their lead and ran down the clock.
Fredette finished the game with only 3 points.
