They had to go to overtime to do it, but the USA U19 Mens team made it two gold medals in a row as they beat Croatia by a final of 79-71 at the FIBA World Championships.
Villanova incoming freshman point guard Jalen Brunson was instrumental in the win, scoring 14 points with seven assists. And the Americans needed the input as the three class of 2016 stars that had carried them throughout the tournament, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles and Josh Jackson, combined to shoot just 13 of 46 on the day. All three finished in double figures, however, with Tatum scoring 13 points, Jackson adding 10, and Giles finishing with 13 points and 16 boards. Louisville sophomore big man Chinanu Onuaku chipped in with six points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
With the score tied at 67 at the end of regulation and Jackson on the bench, having fouled out in the final seconds, the US team started the overtime period with a 10-0 run. That, plus plenty of fresh US bodies and a full-court press, seemed to do in the undermanned Croatians, who were led by Nik Slavica with 23 points. Point guard Marko Aropovic added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Croatia was forced to play without potential 2016 NBA Lottery pick Dragan Bender, who was involved in a shoe contract dispute. Also missing from the Croatian lineup were starting point guard Lovro Mazalin and center Ante Zizic, both of whom were out with injuries.
The victory marked the first time the USA U19 Mens team has won back-to-back gold medals at the FIBA World Championships since 1983.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
