The final test was far and away the toughest test for Wisconsin guard Jonathan Davis and USA’s FIBA U19 World Cup team, but in the end the Americans defeated France to take home the title.
Heading into the fourth quarter down by five, the US put together a 24-17 final period to pull out an 83-81 win. Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Jaden Ivey, who had been two of the most impressive players all tournament long for the US, tied for the team-high with 16 points each. It was future Gonzaga Bulldog Chet Holmgren, however, who took home Player of the Tournament honors in Latvia.
The US went undefeated in their FIBA World Cup run, ultimately defeating two powerhouse squads in Canada and France en route to Sunday’s championship win.
Gold Medal Badger 🥇🇺🇸
Proud of you, @JonathanCDavis1!
Congrats to Team USA for winning the FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia#OnWisconsin ✗ #FIBAU19 pic.twitter.com/Xg7e5Jwxrx
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) July 12, 2021