Photo: fiba.basketball

The dream run of the Australian Crocs at the FIBA U17 World Cup couldn’t quite continue with the USA taking control of the semi-final in the second half for the eventual 114-65 victory.

The Crocs had put together an understanding tournament to reach the semi finals undefeated including Friday night's quarter-final win against Canada to enter the semis with confidence of taking the challenge up to the United States.

And Australia did get off to a good start and by the end of the first quarter it was only a narrow 23-21 lead for the USA with Josh McCann already having seven points for the Crocs, Will Hamilton five and John Aryang five along with throwing down a monster two-handed slam.

The USA did work further on top with 26 points to 14 in the second period but still the Crocs were within touch still with just a 14-point deficit by half-time with Luke Paul having six points, three rebounds and three assists by the break.

The Americans then started the second half on fire with a 16-4 run and in the end they put up 32 points to 10 in the third quarter on 13/24 shooting from the field to 3/10 from the Crocs who also had 13 turnovers in those 10 minutes.

It was then another 33 points to 20 from the USA in the final quarter for the eventual 49-point victory to book their place in the final leaving Australia to play either Türkiye or Serbia in the third place game on Sunday.

The USA outscored Australia 65 points to 30 in the second half while shooting 29/43 from the field to 9/27 while the 16 turnovers in the second half the Crocs had proved fatal.

NBL Next Star Luke Paul finished with another 12 points, five rebounds and three assists for the Crocs with Alex Mabbott adding 10 points and three boards, Josh McCann nine points and two rebounds, and Will Hamilton seven points and two boards.

Andrew Watene also had six points, Yahya Basaran six points, six rebounds and two assists, and John Aryang five points and two rebounds.

The USA will now enter the final against either Türkiye or Serbia as raging favourites with Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje finishing with a monster 23 points and 15 rebounds.

Anthony Williams also had 16 points, NaVorro Bowman Jr 15, Xavier Young 11 and Ash Montgomery 10.

The semi-final for the Australian Crocs will take place on Monday morning AEST at 12:15am and can be seen live on the FIBA YouTube channel.

Australia 65 – USA 114

Stat leaders

Luke Paul – 12 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
Alex Mabbott – 10 PTS, 3 REB
Josh McCann – 9 PTS, 2 REB
Will Hamilton – 7 PTS, 2 REB
Yahya Basaran – 6 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST

Fixtures

Australia v Serbia: 9:45pm (AEST) Saturday, June 27
Côte d'Ivoire v Australia: 7:30pm (AEST) Sunday, June 28
Venezuela v Australia: 12:30am (AEST) Wednesday, July 1
Slovenia v Australia: 12:30am (AEST) Thursday, July 2 (Round of 16)
Canada v Australia: 7:30pm (AEST), Friday, July 3 (Quarter Finals)
Australia v USA: 1:00am (AEST), Sunday, July 5 (Semi Finals)
Australia v Türkiye/Serbia: 12:15am (AEST), Monday, July 6 (Third Place Game)