USA clinches 4th U17 World Championships gold

The final of the U17 World Championships went entirely to form as the USA swept Turkey aside to clinch the gold and retain its title. Victory means the USA are untouched in this competition since it started in 2010, with the country claiming four titles in that time.

Turkey had pieced together a fairytale tournament that saw the nation enter the final game for the first time in its history, but the championship game brought the team back down to earth.

The USA was simply too good all over the court, especially in the first half as the defending champs sunk 25 points in both the first and second quarters. The solid scoring was matched by an unforgiving defensive display that kept Turkey to 10 points in both the first half frames. Through the long break, the USA was cruising to U17 World Championships gold with a 50-20 advantage.

More parity was on display in the third act as the USA plundered 23 points and Turkey added 16 points, but still the champs were extending to gold. The favourites were clicking and drained another 23 points in the fourth quarter, holding off a minor Turkish rally with 20 points. Celebrations could begin at the final buzzer.

Collin Sexton led the winning effort with a consistent attacking display, scoring 16 points and handing out 8 points on his way to the tournament MVP.