Belarus guard Tatsiana Likhtarovich (8) shoots over France guard Marine Johannes (17) during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Endy Miyem scored her game-winning shot just as time was expiring and France stunned Belarus by pulling out a 73-72 win Sunday night in the Olympic women's basketball group play.
Officials immediately counted the basket, then went to replay to confirm whether the ball was out of Miyem's hand before time had expired. France (2-0) had already begun celebrating, while one Belarussian dropped to her knees as if she already knew the outcome.
The referee came back onto the court and ruled the shot counted, an emotionally devastating decision for Belarus.
Fans who had been on their feet roaring when Lindsay Harding's two free throws gave Belarus (0-2) its last lead with 11.7 seconds remaining, cheered France's victory.
Belarus led by as much as 12 against the 2012 silver medalist who lost its starting point guard Celine Dumerc to a sprained left ankle Wednesday.
Olivia Epoupa scored 16 points replacing Dumerc.
___
Online:
AP Summer Games website: http://summergames.ap.org/
France forward isabelle Yacoubou yells from the sidelines during the first half of a women's basketball game against Belarus at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Belarus guard Lindsey Harding (12) runs into France guard Amel Bouderra (20) during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Belarus guard Lindsey Harding (12) passes around the defense of France center Helena Ciak (16) during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Belarus guard Lindsey Harding (12) is pushed out of bounds by France guard Gaelle Skrela during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Staff members of the France women's team stand during the national anthem before the first half of a basketball game against Belarus at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Members of the France women's team stand during the national anthem before the first half of a basketball game against Belarus at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press