U19 WC Day 2: USA survive Slovenian scare, Spain overwhelm France, Madagascar make history

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 fans get a much-needed day to recover after Day 2 delivered some fantastic action including reigning champs United States surviving a scare from Slovenia; Spain swarming France; and Madagascar making history. 

USA need big fourth to avoid Slovenia shock

United States rallied from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to fend off Slovenia 77-72 and avoid a shocking loss in Group B. The Americans, who trailed by as many as 12 points in the game, took the fourth quarter 25-13 to improve to 2-0 while Slovenia fell to 1-1.

 

USA struggled in the halfcourt offense and could not force Slovenia turnovers for easy points. Slovenia eventually committed six of their 14 turnovers in the final 10 minutes and USA escaped with the win. Tobe Awaka had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Americans and Tre Johnson and Eric Dailey Jr both scored 11 points.

"We just had to play hard no matter how far we got down. They really executed well and got up and down. This win means a lot. It shows that we can fight through adversity," said Dylan Harper, who chipped in 10 points.

Sergej Macura picked up 19 points and Jan Vide scored 17 in the loss. USA have not lost in the first round group stage of the U19 World Cup since 1995. 

 

Spain cruise in European clash over France

In probably the most anticipated game of the entire group stage, Spain dominated the proceedings with an 88-69 victory over France in Group A. The Spanish took the second quarter 27-13 and led the game by as many as 29 points in jumping to 2-0 while France fell to 1-1.

Izan Almansa showed why he is rated one of the top players in the tournament with 21 points and 7 rebounds while Jordi Rodriguez scored 15 points and Lucas Langarita contributed 14 points and 7 assists.

 

"We had a pretty solid game, also on defense other than the final 2 minutes. We respected our opponents and we followed the game plan. We came in knowing this was a big game and we did what we had to do to win the game," said Spain's Baba Miller, who added 14 points. 

Madagacar ambush Lebanon for historic first win

Madagascar entered the U19 World Cup record books as they raced past Lebanon 83-66 for their first win in competition history. The debutants from Africa led 24-12 after 10 minutes and never looked back.

 

Mathias M'Madi poured in 34 points and both Lovasoa Andriatsarafara (22 points and 14 rebounds) and Jerry Rabibisoa (12 points and 15 rebounds) registered double-doubles in helping Madagascar move to 1-1 in Group B. Karim Rtail had 19 points for Lebanon (0-2).

"I am very happy and very proud. This is our first participation in the World Cup. Yesterday we did a good job (against USA). Today we got the win. That is the most important thing. We wrote history. We are here for the first time and now we have a win. The people of Madagascar can be proud of us," said Madagascar coach Aime Alain Marcel Randria. 

Hungary surprise Argentina for second straight win

Hosts Hungary proved that their Day 1 win over Korea was no fluke by surprising Argentina 67-66 for a 2-0 record in Group D. The game was tight throughout and Kornel Csuti's layup with 105 seconds left ended up deciding the game.

Peter Csendes scored 17 points with 5 assists, Bruno Hegedus tallied 15 points and Csuti picked up a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lucas Giovanetti had 20 points and 10 rebounds but they were not enough in Argentina falling to 0-2.

"This is amazing. Playing in front of our fans and everybody. This is a crazy moment. Before the tournament we thought we could beat Argentina and I am so proud of my team, the players, my country," Csendes said.

Serbia fight off Brazil for control of Group C

Serbia and Brazil showed how close they are in Group C with the Europeans prevailing 74-72 in a tight battle during which the biggest cushion was seven points and there were 12 lead changes.

 

Serbia's Filip Borovicanin scored the eventual deciding basket with 42 seconds left for a 73-70 advantage. Ilija Milijasevic added a free throw with 6.5 seconds to go to make it a two-point game and Samis Calderon missed a three-pointer at the buzzer as Brazil dropped to 1-1 and Serbia improved to 2-0.

Milijasevic paced Serbia with 21 points and 9 assists and Borovicanin added 15 points. The Europeans committed only 10 turnovers. Reynan Santos tallied 18 points for Brazil.

"It was the most important game in the group phase and we won. We played very well, showing our character on the court. We played well on defense. Actually, the decisive factor in this game was our character which we have been already showing for three years, we are all together three years. Today our character and team spirit won. I congratulate the Brazilians as they played great and I obviously congratulate my guys as we played probably the best game since we have known each other," said Serbian leader Aleksa Milenkovic.

Top Performers: who did it best on Day 2?

 

Top highlight

 

Top picture

 Alexandre Sarr of France (left) battles Izan Almansa of Spain

Other results:

- Turkey (2-0) struggled to put away Korea (0-2) until a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter for a 91-76 victory in Group D.  Berke Buyuktuncel had 15 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists.

- Canada (1-1) notched their first win of the tournament as they defeated China (0-2) 88-79 in Group A thanks to Xaivian Lee scoring 17 points and Jaion Pitt collected 12 points and 13 rebounds.  

- Japan (1-1) earned their first victory in Group C with an 82-70 win over Egypt (0-2) . The Japanese took the middle two quarters 44-25 and Akira Jacobs led the way with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

 FIBA