Record 7,000 fans watch USA edge Spain in an electrifying Final for the ages, bronze for Canada

MADRID (Spain) - USA beat Spain 69-66 in front of a passionate and record-breaking crowd in Madrid to be crowned the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball Cup 2023 winners in a stunning advert for the women's game. 

 

More than 7,000 fans were left on the edge of their seats in the Spanish capital as they watched an amazing contest.

This Final will live long in the memory and was only decided in the closing seconds as USA took their 10th title.

Turning Point: With 21 seconds left on the game clock it was there for both teams to take and it was the USA's Cotie McMahon who went to work, drew the contact and sunk what proved to be a decisive basket. As Spain then tried to respond, Hannah Hidalgo came up with a precious steal to help seal the deal.

Game Heroes: McMahon put in a captain's display with 16 points, going 8 of 10 from the field which was exceptional in the heat of battle and under intense defensive pressure. She also hauled down 6 rebounds. Fellow forward Chloe Kitts contributed 15 points and 9 boards while the 7 assists and 3 steals from Hidalgo proved priceless. 

Stats Don't Lie: USA just about did enough on the glass to stop too many easy putbacks for Spain and restricting the host nation to just 9 offensive boards and 3 second chance points. The game was also tighter than the favorites USA would have liked due to them making just 2 of 10 from long range.

The Bottom Line: USA had an almighty scare but some classy plays by McMahon and the intensity of Hidalgo in particular got them out of trouble when they needed it. They finished unbeaten to continue their nation's phenomenal legacy.

 

Spain showed incredible skill, intensity and heart throughout a game that will be talked about for years to come. They only just fell short and played their full part in a special game of basketball. Iyana Martin Carrion enhanced her reputation with 19 points, while fellow guard Elena Buenavida netted 16 points and dished up 6 assists.

They Said: "Playing in this scenario, with these fans was amazing. We wanted to reach the Final and it was a goal and we felt very much supported! 7,000 fans is great. We've shown that women's basketball needs more exposure. I think we’ve proved to young girls that they can reach wherever they want to." Spain forward, Awa Fam

Canada take bronze after beating France in super OT game

Canada came out on top 80-73 against France in overtime as they took bronze in an entertaining and gripping Third Place game. Even more impressively, they did it without one of their leaders in Cassandre Prosper who was ruled out of the game and they also overturned a double-digit deficit in the last period of regulation.

Trailing by 11 points in the middle of the fourth quarter and with Prosper sidelined, it looked a long way back for Canada. However, they managed to dig deep and posted a 12-0 run to take the lead and get themselves firmly back in the mix. They then stayed cool in overtime to complete the job. 

Syla Swords chose the perfect time to record her best game of the entire tournament as she stepped up in a big way with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Toby Fournier didn't have her best shooting night but still managed a cameo of 15 points and 8 boards.

Other Results

- Mali finished in 5th place after beating Japan 73-61 thanks to a stellar showing again from Maimouna Haidara (32 Efficiency rating) and a great performance from Sira Thienou with 16 points, 8 boards and 4 assists.

- Czech Republic finished on a high to wrap up seventh spot as they took down Lithuania 76-50 with Valentyna Kadlecova top scoring with 18 points.

- Australia locked down ninth place by easing out Germany 81-73 with Nyadiew Puoch claiming 18 points and 9 rebounds.

- Italy landed 11th as they closed out Egypt 64-56 off the back of 18 points from Beatrice Noemi Caloro while Jana Sallman was unfortunate to be on the losing side with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

- China beat Brazil 76-62 to take 13th as Duoling Hu starred with 28 points and 5 assists.

- Chinese Taipei avoided last position as they climbed to 15th off the back of a 79-72 overtime win against Argentina.

FIBA