Hoopistani: USA retains FIBA U17 Women's World title with thrilling win over Spain

July 7, 2014

USA retains FIBA U17 Women's World title with thrilling win over Spain

USA completed a memorable three-peat of titles at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship, but not before being stretched to the game's last minute by a determined Spain side. The final of the third edition of the tournament, held in the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic, saw USA survive Spain 77-75 on Sunday, July 6, 2014, and retain the gold medal in a repeat of the 2012 final from Amsterdam.

Although it was the American eves who came out on top, the star of the night was Spain's, Angela Salvadores. Determined to end USA's reign as champions, Salvadores put up arguably the best performance ever in the tournament, scoring 40 points in the pulsating Finals. USA's Lauren Cox (20 points, 12 rebounds, 8 blocks) and Asia Durr (17 points) kept their composure to survive Salvadores' onslaught and deliver on the other end of the floor.

Here are the highlights of the exciting finale between USA and Spain via FIBA:

For her dominating performances throughout the tournament, Salvadores was named MVP despite her team's final loss.

Earlier on Sunday, hosts Czech Republic were defeated 67-61 by Hungary in the bronze-medal game. Virag Kiss led with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win for Hungary.

On Saturday, USA had little trouble surviving the challenge that Hungary presented as they won the Semi-Final matchup 91-63 behind 25 points by Katie Samuelson and 17 points by Asia Durr. For Hungary Debroa Dubei scored a team high 16. In the other semi-final, Spain blew out Czech Republic by 73-41.