DEBRECEN (Hungary) - USA secured a fifth title at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship as they beat Spain 84-62 to retain their crown, while Dominque Malonga propelled France to bronze.

USA too deep, too good as they get it done again. World Champions!

Turning Point: There wasn't one. Spain's main mission was not to let the favorites jump out on them, but that is exactly what USA did with a 24-13 first quarter. While to their credit, Spain won the second period by a point, it was always an uphill struggle.

Game Hero: Jaloni Cambridge was instrumental in USA's quick-fire opening and finished with 16 points. 9 assists and 6 rebounds, while Breya Cunningham had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Stats Dont Lie: USA were rampant in the paint and it was the difference-maker, outscoring Spain 50-26.

They said: "It's amazing to be a gold medal winner as Spain was a terrific team and it was a great win for us I think the Final was exactly as we had anticipated. The margin of victory did not reflect how hard Spain played.The tournament was fantastic  and there are some amazing players out there, so it was great to see where the women's game is at." USA head coach, Sue Phillips

Malonga brilliance lands France to bronze

France won an absolute classic 84-82 against Canada in the Third Place Game as they added to their silver medals from 2010 and 2018. 

Turning Point: The contest was delicately poised with 90 seconds remaining, but a huge block by Dominique Malonga and a go-ahead triple from Ines Salahy got France onto the front foot heading into the last minute.

Dominique Malonga saved her best until last with a breathtaking display

Game Heroes: Malonga was absolutely sensational with a majestic 28 points and 17 rebounds, while Marine Dursus played an important cameo with 22 points. Delaney Gibb and Cassandre Prosper were terrific in defeat for Canada with 25 and 18 points respectively.

Stats Dont Lie: Canada will be kicking themselves for missing 10 free throws in this tight game. 

They said: "Right now it's unbelievable because we were so disappointed to lose yesterday and not to play USA in the Final. We're happy to win this game because it was our last chance. We came to win a medal and  I am  grateful to my teammates, while this is also validation for the work I have done." - France center, Dominique Malonga

Elsewhere

Elalfy signed off in Debrecen with an astonishing display

Jana Elalfy dropped a stellar 32 points and 26 rebounds as Egypt registered a 69-47 triumph against New Zealand to finish with three victories, having never previously won a game, as well cementing a highest ever placing of 11th.

- Australia cemented a top five finish  by beating hosts Hungary 72-52 as Saffron Shiels handed out 10 assists and scored 15 points. Isla Juffermans also added a team-high 20 points.

- Mailien Rolf racked up 13 points and 14 boards to secure a creditable 7th place finish for debutantes Germany as they took down Japan 59-50. Slovenia claimed a fabulous five wins after they beat Mali 75-66 with Tanja Valancic top-scoring with 18 points. Deborah Mbombo Mukeba-Kasanda led Belgium past Korea  81-35 and into 13th with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

- Argentina took their last chance to get a win on the board by beating Americas rivals Mexico 68-55 as Malena Maggi dropped 21 points to help her nation avoid last spot.

FIBA