LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Only eight teams remain standing at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 after the Round of 16 games saw Switzerland shock the world, United States set a series of records, Germany refuse Serbia's redemption and Israel and New Zealand made history.
Switzerland shock the world
Switzerland made more magic as they pulled off the upset of the tournament by beating France 86-79 in an overtime comeback win. The No. 60 team in the FIBA World Rankings Boys used an 18-0 run spanning the fourth quarter and overtime to take down the No. 3 nation in global basketball France.
Dayan Nessah scored 22 points with 15 rebounds and Oliver Sassella had 25 points for the Swiss, who have never played a game in Division A in the FIBA Youth EuroBasket event. France failed to score for more than 8 minutes and will miss a chance for a fourth straight podium finish.
No record safe with USA - plus Stokes triple-double
Record champions United States were expected to roll in their Round of 16 game against Jordan and they did just that, winning 140-67 - and setting a series FIBA U19 World Cup records along the way.
They set new all-time highs with 59 field goals made, 52 two-point field goals made, 31 steals and 212 efficiency rating. The Americans also just missed establishing other records. They broke their own scoring record with 140 points, the second-highest total in U19 World Cup history. Their 41 assists and 37 forced turnovers were also second best in competition history.
As if that wasn't enough, Tyran Stokes collected 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first USA player ever to record a triple-double in U19 World Cup history. It was also the sixth documented triple-double in the event.
Anderson, Steinbach show goes on
Germany showed why many consider them a title contender as they took care of business against Serbia with a 92-83 victory to reach the Quarter-Finals. Germany's starting five remained absolutely unstoppable with four of them scoring in double figures topped by Hannes Steinbach's 23 points and 19 rebounds.
Germany point guard Christian Anderson was held to 8 points, but he dished out 12 assists - which tied him for fourth highest in the competition's record books.
"We all know how to share the ball. We have all played together for a long time so we know each other’s strengths and where to find each other. Our chemistry is unmatched," Anderson said after the game.
Welcome to the club Israel and New Zealand
The Quarter-Finals will have two nations making their first appearance - Israel and New Zealand. FIBA U19 World Cup debutants Israel rallied from a 14-point deficit to knock off Cameroon 86-82 thanks to 33 points from Omer Mayer - not to mention a dagger three-pointer by Yaron Goldman with 10 seconds to play.
New Zealand for their part almost wasted a 20-point advantage but ended up racing away from China in the end for a 99-86 victory. Tama Isaac scored 18 points with 8 assists and Hayden Jones totaled 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Good to have you back
It's been a while coming but look who is back in the top eight - the 2003 champions Australia and Slovenia. Australia are back in the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 2015. They allowed Dominican Republic to get back into the game after leading by 21 points but still prevailed 106-96.
Jacob Furphy poured in 24 points with 5 three-pointers and Jack Whitbourn collected 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Emus.
Slovenia have not finished in the top eight since 2003 - they were ninth in 2023. But the Balkan side moved into the Quarter-Finals by surviving a battle with Argentina 81-80. Mark Padjen poured in 22 points and 7 assists in the win.
"We may not have the most people or the biggest guys but we have great heart and we are taught to play together and share the ball and fight for each other if needed," said Padjen.
Canada doing Canada things
The 2017 champions Canada reached the Quarter-Finals for the seventh straight tournament by beating Mali 100-75. Tristan Beckford scored 16 points to pace five Canadians in double figures.
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