2015 #FIBAU19 World Championship Finals Recap: July 6, 2015

For the second straight game, Team USA had to fight off a determined foe as Croatia stuck it to the Americans for 40 minutes and then some. Team USA, however, proved to be steadier in the overtime en route to copping the 2015 FIBA U19 Championship crown.

Jalen Brunson led Team USA in a nail-biter over Croatia.

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

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.

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.

2015 #FIBAU19 World Championship Semifinals Recap: July 4, 2015

Team USA had to scramble to survive host Greece, while Croatia outclassed Euro rival Turkey to arrange a titanic tussle for the title in the 2015 FIBA U19 Championship.

Harry Giles and Ivica Zubac are set for a collision course in the Finals of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship!

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

The United States will have to beat Croatia again at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship if they want to repeat their title after both teams advanced to the title game.

The USA got 30 points from Jalen Brunson while Harry Giles collected his fourth straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Americans beat hosts Greece, 82-76, in a hotly contested battle.

Terrance Ferguson and Jayson Tatum both added 11 points to give the USA the chance to become the first team to repeat the title since they accomplished the feat in 1983. 

2015 FIBA U19 World Championship Quarterfinals Recap: July 3, 2015

Not surprisingly, Team USA continued to roll in the 2015 FIBA U19 Championship in Heraklion, Greece. The Americans blew past Italy and will face Greece next, while Turkey and Croatia set a date in their own half of the tournament semifinals.

Future US NCAA and NBA star Harry Giles slams one home against Italy.

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

The reigning champions United States were joined by three Europeans in reaching the Semi-Finals of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship with both final four games promising plenty of intrigue. 

The United States will face off against hosts Greece, while Turkey and Croatia will square off in a re-match of the Semi-Finals of the 2014 U18 European Championship.

2015 #FIBAU19 World Championship Round of 16 Recap: July 1, 2015

The 2015 FIBA U19 Championship in Heraklion, Greece has been trimmed to just eight teams after yesterday’s Round of 16 matches. All the favorites had their way save for Serbia, which was upset by Australia. 

Deng Gak and Dejan Vasiljevic whoop it up as the Aussies upset the Serbs.

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

Australia pulled off the one surprise in the Round of 16 at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships as they beat Serbia to join seven other favourites into the Quarter-Finals including reigning champions United States.

Australia used a 13-2 run in the second quarter to take a double digit lead and never gave it up in grabbing a 69-56 victory over Serbia in the Round of 16. Jack McVeigh collected 18 points and 12 rebounds as Australia moved into the Final Eight for the eighth straight time in the competition.

2015 #FIBAU19 World Championship Day 3 Roundup: June 30, 2015

Preliminary round games at the 2015 FIBA U19 Championship in Heraklion, Greece ended yesterday with Team USA, Greece, Canada, and Turkey taking identical 3-0 slates to the knockout rounds.

Joshua Jackson and Team USA remain the clear favorites to win this tourney.

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

Reigning champions United States cruised to another victory at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship while Greece and Canada finished the group stage in first place after knocking off a previously undefeated teams.

Harry Giles collected a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds as the USA eased past Egypt, 92-50, to win Group A with a perfect 3-0 record. The Americans will next take on Argentina in the Round of 16.

2015 #FIBAU19 World Championship Day 2 Roundup: June 28, 2015

Day 2 of the 2015 FIBA U19 Championship in Heraklion, Greece saw favorites Team USA continue their romp, beating Croatia, while powerhouses Turkey, Canada, and hosts Greece also continued their winning ways.

Jalen Brunson and the Americans zoomed to 2-0 in the tournament.

The day’s recap (from FIBA.com):

Reigning champions United States are one of six teams undefeated after two days of action at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship as they comfortably beat Croatia in a showdown that failed to live up to its top-notch billing.

In addition to the Group A leaders USA, Turkey, Canada, Italy, Serbia and Greece all have two wins in two games as well.