AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - A plucky Spanish outfit has not been able to end Croatia’s unbeaten run at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, with the Croats running away late to win 91-72.

Croatia’s trademark perimeter shooting was the difference in the game, with Croatia’s precise passing regularly finding the open man in the corner. The Croats connected on 14/31 from three point range. In contrast Spain, the best perimeter shooting team at last year’s U18 European Championship, shot a dismal 1/10.

Despite their poor marksmanship, Spain made Croatia work very hard for the victory, making enough plays to be within eight, 30-38, at half time.

Spain then dominated the third quarter, taking their defence up the floor and forcing 6 Croatian turnovers for the period. The Spaniards were right at home playing the resulting transition game, and put on 28 points to pull within one, 58-59 at the last break.

But once again Croatia found space in the corners, nailing 4-three pointers in an emphatic last quarter to run out 19-point winners.

For Croatia, Leon Radosevic was a powerhouse inside, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, while Dino Butorac scored 10 points in the last quarter to finish with 16. The Croats face Australia on Wednesday night in the final Group F game, potentially one of the games of the tournament.

Spain were best served by Toni Vicens, who nullified Croatia’s height advantage by compiling 18 points and 9 rebounds. Daniel Perez (15 points, 5 assists) came to life in the third quarter but was largely subdued for the remainder of the game.

Spain must now defeat Kazakhstan to have any hope of progressing to the quarter finals.


Mario Delas, Croatia captain :

“Again, third quarter we play really bad, like all games, but fourth quarter we decided let’s go, let’s play our game. They got quick guards, they penetrate and we have to help, and when we help they are open so it is tough.

It’s going to be a great game (against Australia), because they play very beautiful basketball, nice to watch, it will be a good game.”

FIBA