USA fight off valiant effort from Croatia to repeat U19 title
HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - The United States became the first country since 1983 to successfully defends its title, fighting off a valiant challenge from Croatia for a 79-71 victory in
HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - The United States became the first country since 1983 to successfully defends its title, fighting off a valiant challenge from Croatia for a 79-71 victory in overtime to win the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship trophy. The Americans captured their sixth U19 Worlds crown as four players scored in double figures paced by MVP Jalen Brunson's 14 points. Croatia claimed their first podium finish in taking second place as Nik Slavica scored 23 points in the loss.
Turning Point: Croatia trailed 71-67 in overtime and Ivica Zubac missed two close baskets after which Chinanu Onuaku scored inside and the lead grew to 77-67.
Stats Don't Lie: The United States shot 45 percent from three-point range compared to 14 percent for Croatia. The Americans had 34 points off the bench while Croatia had seven players play and just three bench points.
Game Hero: In addition to his 14 points, Brunson ended up dishing out seven assists, grabbing five rebounds, swiping one steal and not turning the ball over one time.
The Bottom Line: In the end, the Croatians were unable to overcome the USA's depth as just seven players played for the Europeans with Marko Arapovic fouling out midway through the fourth quarter.
FIBA