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Croatia Wins Silver at 2015 FIBA U-19 World Basketball Championships in Greece

fibaCroatia has won the silver medal at the 2015 FIBA U-19 World Basketball Championships in Greece…

Croatia, who had been superb all tournament, fell just short in the final against the reigning champions USA on Sunday, losing in overtime 79:71.

Croatia, who were appearing in their first U-19 World Championship final, held their own in the first two quarters of the match, even leading and controlling the game in phases. The United States turned it up a notch in the 3rd quarter before the Croatians came back again in the last. Croatia had a chance to win the match in the last second but missed a free throw when the scores were level. The overtime win meant that USA became the first team to defend their title since they last accomplished the feat themselves back in 1983.

For Croatia in the final it was once again the duo of Ivica Zubac and captain Marko Arapović who were impressive. The silver medal was a massive achievement for the Croatians considering they were missing three of their better players. Star player Dragan Bender went home after a shoe contract dispute, whilst point guard Lovro Mazalin and Ante Žižić were ruled out through injury.
(photo / fiba.com)

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