Russia denied the all-conquering USA of a seventh straight gold medal with an 86-82 win in the Under-19 FIBA World Cup for Women final in Udine, Italy.
Raisa Musina led the winners with a monster showing of 33 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Maria Madeeva added an equally as monsterous showing with 28 points and 18 rebounds as Russia celebrated its first under-19 women’s title in 28 years.
The latter was later named tournament MVP.
🇷🇺 RUSSIA DID IT! Congratulations!
What a game!#FIBAU19 Final 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TxeYwijodl— FIBA (@FIBA) July 30, 2017
The Americans enjoyed the upper hand for the majority of the first half and an 8-0 finish to the first half gave them a 42-36 cushion.
The Russians, who have cruised to the gold medal game, including a dominant 65-41 semi-final win over Canada, stormed into the finale in the third quarter to take a 62-60 lead into the final period.
Russia enjoyed a five-point advantage at 70-65 with 7:18 in the fourth thanks to a lay-up from Vadeeva but the Americans stayed in touch late on to ensure an exciting finish.
But the European side withstood the pressure and denied the States another gold.
Chennedy Carter led the USA with 31 points.
