3x3 women's defending champs USA win OT classic over Canada at Paris Olympics

PARIS (France) - WNBA All-Star Rhyne Howard drilled a clutch two-pointer to lift defending champion USA to a dramatic  18-17 OT victory over rival Canada on day four of the Paris Olympics. 

In an absorbing battle of North American powerhouses, Howard emerged as the hero after hitting a contested two on the right side to trigger scenes of jubilation from the USA. 

After a slow start to the tournament, the USA have won three straight games to even the ledger. It was their second straight thrilling victory on day four having earlier beaten host France after Dearica Hamby hit the go-ahead bucket late. 

Canada slipped to a record of 3-2 ahead of playing Spain in the night session on day four. 

 It was a see-saw throughout with Canada seemingly holding the edge with a 16-14 late. But superstar Hailey Van Lith tied it up with a two-piece and OT was required to find a winner. 

Up stepped Howard, who showed nerves of steel to continue USA's resurgence. 

Key Player: Howard is proving to be USA's x-factor. The 24-year-old can make it look easy on the half-court and when she is feeling it USA climb to another level.

She was in an aggressive mood, but missed all five of her twos heading into OT. But her teammates trusted her with the ball when it mattered most and the confidence was vindicated with Howard hitting a shot for the ages. She finished with a team-high 7 points. 

FIBA