USA defeated Croatia 79-71 after a period of overtime to retain the FIBA under-19 world championship in Crete.
The ever powerful Americans scoop their sixth title overall and have become the first side since 1983 to successfully retain the world crown at under-19 level.
Four USA players hit double figures for scoring, paced by Jalen Brunson’s 14 points, as he claimed the tournament’s MVP honours.
But the States were made to work hard for their recent success by a determined Croatia side, hampered by injuries and a pre-tournament footwear dispute that resulted in potential NBA Draft prospect Dragan Bender leaving the camp.
Regardless of the controversy, Croatia were close to winning the title for the first time, against all the odds. But instead, they have to settle for second.
TURKEY CLAIM BRONZE
Turkey finished their campaign by winning the third place game by beating hosts Greece 80-71.
Highlights
Final standings of the 2015 FIBA U19 world championship:
1. USA
2. Croatia
3. Turkey
4. Greece
5. Canada
6. Italy
7. Australia
8. Spain
9. Serbia
10. Argentina
11. Egypt
12. Korea
13. Dominican Republic
14. Iran
15. China
16. Tunisia
Photo: FIBA