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USA vs. Australia live score, updates from 2025 FIBA U19 Women''s Basketball World Cup finals | Sporting News

USA Dominates Australia in Thrilling 2025 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup Final: Live Updates and Highlights

In a high-stakes showdown at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup finals held in Madrid, Spain, the United States faced off against Australia in what promised to be an electrifying battle for global supremacy in youth women's basketball. The USA, perennial favorites with a storied history of dominance in international competitions, entered the game as defending champions, boasting a roster filled with top high school and incoming college talents. Australia, known for their gritty, physical style and emerging stars, aimed to pull off an upset and claim their first U19 title since 1997. As the game unfolded, fans around the world tuned in via live streams, witnessing a contest that combined athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination. This live coverage captures the key moments, plays, and turning points as they happened, providing an in-depth look at how the USA secured a commanding victory.

Pre-Game Buzz and Lineups

Leading up to tip-off, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. The USA team, coached by the experienced Dawn Staley, featured standout players like Joyce Edwards, a versatile forward from South Carolina commit, and point guard Mikayla Blakes, known for her lightning-quick handles and sharpshooting. Edwards, who had been averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds throughout the tournament, was expected to be the linchpin of the American offense. On the Australian side, led by coach Shannon Seebohm, key players included guard Georgia Woolley and forward Isobel Borlase, both of whom had shone in earlier rounds with their defensive tenacity and perimeter shooting. Australia had impressed by knocking out strong teams like Spain and Canada en route to the final, relying on a balanced attack and suffocating defense.

The game tipped off at 8:00 PM local time, with the USA winning the jump ball and immediately setting a fast pace. Early predictions favored the USA by a margin of 15 points, but Australia's underdog spirit made this matchup anything but predictable.

First Quarter: USA Sets the Tone with Defensive Pressure

The opening quarter saw the USA explode out of the gates, establishing a quick 10-2 lead within the first three minutes. Edwards opened the scoring with a smooth mid-range jumper, followed by a steal from Blakes that led to a fast-break layup. Australia's Woolley responded with a three-pointer to cut the deficit, but the Americans' full-court press disrupted the Opals' rhythm, forcing turnovers on consecutive possessions. By the midway point of the quarter, the score stood at 15-7 in favor of the USA.

A highlight moment came when USA center Aaliyah Chavez blocked a shot attempt by Borlase, energizing the crowd and leading to a transition three from guard Syla Swords. Australia struggled with their shooting, going 3-for-10 from the field, while the USA capitalized on second-chance opportunities, grabbing five offensive rebounds. Coach Staley's emphasis on ball movement was evident, as the team recorded six assists in the quarter alone. As the buzzer sounded, the USA led 22-12, with Edwards already tallying 8 points and 4 rebounds. Australia's coach called a timeout to regroup, urging her players to slow the pace and focus on inside scoring.

Second Quarter: Australia Mounts a Comeback Attempt

The second quarter began with Australia showing signs of life. Woolley drained another three, and Borlase powered through for a put-back layup, narrowing the gap to 22-17. The Opals adjusted their defense, switching to a zone that momentarily confused the USA's offense, leading to a couple of missed shots. However, the Americans responded with a 7-0 run, sparked by back-to-back threes from Blakes and guard Jerzy Robinson. Robinson, a rising star from California, showcased her range, hitting from well beyond the arc.

Midway through the quarter, a controversial foul call on Australia's forward Lilly Rotunno allowed Edwards to sink two free throws, extending the lead to 12. The physicality ramped up, with both teams battling for loose balls and rebounds. Australia managed to outrebound the USA in this period, 9-6, thanks to strong play from center Saffron Shiels, who added 6 points off the bench. Despite their efforts, the USA's depth proved overwhelming. By halftime, the score was 45-30 in favor of the Americans. Edwards led all scorers with 14 points, while Woolley had 10 for Australia. Analysts noted the USA's superior shooting efficiency—52% from the field compared to Australia's 38%—as a key factor.

During the halftime break, interviews highlighted the strategies. Staley praised her team's energy but warned against complacency, saying, "Australia is tough; we need to keep pushing." Seebohm, on the other hand, motivated her squad by emphasizing resilience: "We're not out of this yet; let's fight for every possession."

Third Quarter: USA Pulls Away with Offensive Firepower

Coming out of the locker room, the USA wasted no time in extending their lead. A quick 8-2 run, fueled by Chavez's dominance in the paint, pushed the score to 53-32. Chavez, at 6'7", was a force, blocking two shots and scoring on consecutive post moves. Australia tried to counter with perimeter play, but their shots rimmed out, and turnovers plagued them again—committing five in the quarter alone.

A pivotal moment occurred at the 6-minute mark when Blakes stole the ball and lobbed it to Edwards for an alley-oop dunk, a rare sight in women's basketball that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The lead ballooned to 25 points, prompting Seebohm to call another timeout. Australia responded with a mini-run, as Woolley and Borlase combined for 10 points in a three-minute span, including a pair of and-one plays. However, the USA's bench players, like forward ZaKiyah Johnson, stepped up, adding energy and scoring. Johnson hit a crucial three to end the quarter, making the score 68-45. The Americans' defensive intensity was on full display, holding Australia to just 15 points in the period while forcing eight turnovers overall in the game so far.

Fourth Quarter: Closing Out the Victory and Championship Glory

The final quarter saw the USA maintain control, though Australia refused to go quietly. They opened with a 5-0 spurt, thanks to sharp shooting from guard Alicia Froling, who knocked down two threes in quick succession. The score tightened briefly to 68-50, but the USA's experience shone through. Edwards continued her stellar performance, reaching 20 points with a series of drives to the basket. Blakes orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out assists and controlling the tempo.

As the clock wound down, the USA focused on clock management, running precise sets and limiting Australia's opportunities. A late steal by Swords led to a fast-break bucket, effectively sealing the deal. Australia fought valiantly, with Woolley finishing as their top scorer at 18 points, but the gap was too wide. The final buzzer sounded with the USA victorious, 88-67.

Edwards was named MVP of the game, posting a double-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Blakes contributed 16 points and 7 assists, while Chavez added 14 points and 6 blocks. For Australia, Woolley's 18 points and Borlase's 14 were highlights in a losing effort. The USA's shooting (48% FG, 38% 3PT) and rebounding edge (42-35) were decisive.

Post-Game Analysis and Implications

This victory marks the USA's ninth U19 Women's World Cup title, reinforcing their dominance in the sport. The team's blend of size, speed, and skill overwhelmed Australia, who, despite the loss, showed promise for the future of women's basketball Down Under. Edwards, in her post-game comments, reflected on the win: "This is for all the hard work we've put in. Australia pushed us, but we stayed united." Woolley expressed pride: "We gave it everything; the USA is just on another level right now."

Looking ahead, several players from both sides are poised for bright futures. Edwards and Blakes are headed to top college programs, potentially eyeing WNBA drafts. For Australia, talents like Borlase could bolster their senior national team. The tournament as a whole highlighted the global growth of women's basketball, with emerging nations challenging traditional powerhouses.

In summary, the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup final was a testament to the USA's prowess, but also to the competitive spirit of international youth basketball. Fans can relive the action through highlights, and the sport continues to inspire the next generation of stars. (Word count: 1,128)

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