BRNO (Czechia) - USA extended their amazing FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup legacy by taking down Spain 82-73 in a Final for the ages to clinch their fourth straight crown.
With seven titles in eight editions now banked, their latest piece of silverware came off the back of a brilliant first-half show from Micah Ojo. She poured in 20 points, while Nation Williams came up big. She collected 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.
"It was a great game against a tough team, but we pulled through and that is all that matters."
The game was still hanging in the balance 70-70 with just over five minutes remaining and it set up a pulsating conclusion.
Williams made a big play for USA with just over 90 seconds remaining and then a huge block and both were vital to sealing USA's hard-earned triumph.as they moved up a gear in the closing minutes.
Spain stepped off court with their fourth silver medal, with the loss tough to take for Isabel Hernandez in particular who had an outstanding performance.
Despite having to leave the court for treatment to a facial injury, she returned to contine some magical work, she produced a stellar 28 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. She also grabbed a sensational 8 steals which tied the all-time record in the competition.
Meanwhile logged a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out as Spain only just came up short.
Ivanna Wilson Manyacka was crowned TISSOT MVP and was relieved her team dug out a precious success.
She said, "It feels great. I mean it was a great game against a tough team, but we pulled through and that is all that matters. "I think I definitely deserved it [MVP], but I couldn't have done it without my teammates, because they are the ones getting me the ball and the looks," she concluded. FIBA