Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2025-07-07 12:01:30
LAUSANNE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States reclaimed the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup crown in emphatic fashion on Sunday, overpowering Germany 109-76 in the championship game.
The victory marks Team USA's record-extending ninth title in the tournament's history.
Fueled by a dominant performance throughout the competition, Team USA capped a perfect 7-0 run, setting a new tournament record for points per game with an average of 114.6.
USA's AJ Dybantsa was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He contributed 11 points, six rebounds and two assists in the final, averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Despite their overall dominance, the USA faced a significant test in the quarterfinals, narrowly overcoming Canada by just six points. They responded with a resounding 56-point semifinal win over New Zealand to reach the final.
Germany, making its first-ever appearance in the U19 World Cup medal rounds and ultimately securing silver, started strong in the final with a 16-9 lead.
The USA regrouped with a 15-7 run to seize the lead and entered halftime with a nine-point advantage. Any hopes of a German comeback were extinguished immediately after the break, as the Americans unleashed a 22-2 surge. Germany, the European U18 champions, could not recover from the deficit.
Six American players scored in double figures, led by Morez Johnson with 15 points.
In the bronze medal game, Slovenia defeated New Zealand 91-87 to secure third place. ■