MIES (Switzerland) - Paige Bueckers lived up to the hype in the Thai capital as USA returned to the to podium step to recapture their FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup crown they relinquished two years earlier in Udine.
The UConn guard was named MVP after a dramatic overtime Final win as she re-started USA's gold rush in the competition - alongside the likes of Caitlin Clark, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith.
As well as host nation Thailand making countless friends for their incredible hospitality off the court and gutsy efforts on the court, there was a notable step taken by first-timers Colombia who impressed on debut.
The Standings
Position | Nation | W-L Record |
|---|---|---|
1. | USA | 7-0 |
2. | Australia | 5-2 |
3. | Spain | 6-1 |
4. | Belgium | 5-2 |
5. | China | 5-2 |
6. | Canada | 4-3 |
7. | Mali | 2-5 |
8. | Japan | 3-4 |
9. | Korea | 3-4 |
10. | Hungary | 3-4 |
11. | Colombia | 3-4 |
12. | Argentina | 2-5 |
13. | Germany | 2-5 |
14. | Latvia | 4-3 |
15. | Mozambique | 2-5 |
16. | Thailand | 0-7 |
The Summary
The nail-biting matchup in the Quarter-Finals was between Spain and China, with the former winning 55-52. Meanwhile having shocked Latvia with a massive win in the Round of 16, Mali were shocking this tournament and pushed Australia all the way before falling 63-51 USA rode past Canada 81-46 in an all-Americas clash, while Belgium blasted away Japan and shut them down 63-43 to make the last four for the first time.
The Semi-Finals were intense and Belgium gave USA plenty to think about, before the States eventually clawed out a 67-59 win behind 14 points from Rhyne Howard. There was also joy for the Gems as Australia saw off Spain 64-55. It was Spain who reacted to their disappointment and signed off with a bronze medal in the Third Place Game. Lola Penande was again a big contributor as she shone in a 58-52 war of attrition against Belgium.
The Final was a classic. Another absolute roller-coaster of excitement for fans and eventually it was USA who came through 74-70 in overtime. Paige Bueckers saved her best until last with 17 points, while Jaz Shelley added a game-high 18 for silver medalists Australia.
The MVP: Paige Bueckers
Bueckers was named TISSOT MVP after leading the competition in assists by passing the rock 5.4 times per game. As well as pulling the strings for the champions, she also averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per outing.
She was joined on the All-Star Five by fellow USA standout Rhyne Howard, Australia center Alexandra Fowler, Belgian powerhouse Billie Massey and Lola Pendande of Spain.
The Best Game: Another nail-biting Final
Not for the first time, the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup arguably saved the best until last. The Final between USA and Australia was intense and gripping. This overtime epic very much the perfect way to wrap up yet another fantastic tournament.
The Best Story: Colombia showing their teeth on debut
It was a wonderful first-ever edition for Colombia who didn't just claim a maiden victory, but went on to win no fewer than three games! Perhaps most impressively, they beat Germany in the Group stage and then followed it up with another victory against European opposition in the shape of Latvia and then signing off by beating Argentina.
The Best Performer: Billie Massey
Massey posted a phenomenal tournament as she propelled Belgium into the last four of the competition off the back of a spectacular peformance efficency valuation of 25.9.
This was due to some excellent shooting and finishing that resulted in 14.7 points per game and the frontcourt ace completed a tournament double-double with 13.4 boards.
The Stats Leaders
Points
Player | Country | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Jihyun Park | Chelsea | 16.4 |
Florencia Chagas | Argentina | 16.3 |
Sika Kone | Mali | 15.1 |
Laura Meldere | Latvia | 15.0 |
Chanaya Pinto | Mozambique | 14.9 |
Rebounds
Player | Country | Rebounds Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Sika Kone | Mali | 13.9 |
Billie Massey | Belgium | 13.4 |
Laura Meldere | Latvia | 10.3 |
Alexandra Fowler | Australia | 10.0 |
Chanaya Pinto | Mozambique | 9.3 |
Emily Bessoir | Germany | 9.3 |
Assists
Player | Country | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Paige Bueckers | USA | 5.4 |
Yeeun Heo | Korea | 4.9 |
Fanta Kone | Mali | 4.7 |
Yuan Li | China | 4.4 |
Emmeline Leblon | Belgium | 4.1 |
FIBA