5
Jul
U17 World Cup
Crocs stopped and rolled by US, now chasing bronze
Australian Luke Paul defends American Jordan Page in the semi-final of the FIBA Men's Under-17 World Cup. Photo: FIBA.com
Game Replays
USA's size and depth overwhelmed Australia as the Crocs fell 114-65 in the World Cup semi-final
- Game 1: Aussie Crocs at snappy best to tip-off Cup campaign
- Game 2: Paul gives statisticians sore fingers in five-point win
- Game: 3: Antonio Browne sends Australia into Round of 16
- Game 4: Luke Paul and Antonio Browne power Australia into Canada showdown
- Game 5: Paul, Basaran put Canada to the sword, now US
The United States overwhelmed Australia with its size, depth and relentless pressure to book a place in the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup final, defeating the Crocs 114-65 in the semi-finals in Istanbul on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Australia matched the tournament favourites early, trailing by just two points at the first break after Luke Paul, Yahya Basaran and Josh McCann helped the Crocs stay within striking distance at 23-21.
But the game turned decisively in the second quarter.
The United States outscored Australia 26-14 to open a 49-35 halftime advantage before completely taking control after the break. The Americans exploded for 32 third-quarter points while holding Australia to just 10, blowing the margin beyond 30 points before closing with another 33-point final period.
The United States dominated every major statistical category.
It shot 53.8% from the field compared with Australia's 36.7%, won the rebounding battle 48-34 and generated 25 assists on 50 made field goals. Most damaging was its inside presence, piling up 82 points in the paint while also scoring 38 points from Australia's 25 turnovers.
Australian centre Yahya Basaran battled hard against the powerful American frontline, finishing with six points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Alex Mabbott provided valuable energy off the bench with 10 points and three offensive rebounds in just 14 minutes.
Captain Luke Paul led the Crocs with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists despite constant defensive attention, while Josh McCann added nine points, knocking down Australia's only three-pointer besides makes from Paul and William Hamilton.
Australia's offence struggled to find rhythm against the relentless American defence, shooting just 3-of-20 (15%) from beyond the arc and committing 25 turnovers that repeatedly fuelled the United States' transition game.
For the Americans, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje produced a dominant all-round performance with 23 points, 15 rebounds and three steals, earning a game-high efficiency rating of 34. Anthony Williams added 16 points, while NaVorro Bowman Jr scored 15 and Erick Dampier Jr controlled the glass with seven rebounds.
The United States also collected 19 offensive rebounds, creating numerous second-chance opportunities that translated into 27 second-chance points.
Australia briefly held a 3-2 lead in the opening minutes, but after the United States regained control it led for more than 36 minutes of the contest and steadily wore the Crocs down with its superior depth.
Despite the defeat, Australia still has the opportunity to secure a bronze medal after an outstanding tournament that included victories against France, Cameroon, Türkiye and Serbia before reaching the semi-finals.
Australia plays for the bronze medal against either Türkiye or Serbia on Monday, July 7 at 12.15am.
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