September 12, 2011

Isaac Fotu drove baseline and scored the winning basket in the dying seconds as New Zealand edged out Bulgaria 19-18 in the Boys Final at the 3×3 Youth World Championship.

New Zealand had the upper hand for much of the first half and early part of the second, going up 12-8 at one point.

However, Bulgaria fought back, thanks to the clutch shooting of Tencho Tenchev, who earlier in the day won the Boys Shootout.

Tenchev connected from beyond the arc time and time again as the Bulgarians tied the game at 14 all.

There was little to separate both sides as the game went into the closing minutes and they were deadlocked at 18-18.

With seven seconds to go, New Zealand went to Fotu and he did not disappoint, driving down the right side of the basket and scoring inside for the final score.

New Zealand and Bulgaria were joined on the podium by tournament hosts Italy, who saw off Estonia 21-13 in the bronze medal game.

Spain claim 3×3 Girls gold

Spain beat hosts Italy 16-15 to take the title of champions in the Girls category at the first-ever 3×3 Youth World Championship.

The game was close throughout with the Spaniards getting the deciding go-ahead basket in the final minute and the Italians could not get a good shot off in the closing moments.

Despite that, the hosts took a well-deserved silver medal.

The two teams were joined on the podium by Japan, who were awarded bronze after shorthanded USA forfeited USA forfeited the third-place game.