.png){kind=small}
With just one day of group play remaining, Day 5 of the 2025 IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship brought drama, dominance, and a thrilling one-point finish as teams battled for position heading into the quarter-finals at the Centro de Treinamento Paralímpico in Sao Paulo.
Brazil Bounce Back with Convincing Win Over Israel
Hosts Brazil returned to winning ways with an 85–12 victory over Israel in Group A.
With coach Paulo Dos Santos favouring his bench for the majority of the game, Brazil held Israel scoreless for two of the four periods of play.
In just 20 minutes of play, Joao Nascimento led the victors with a double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds. Sergio Junior added 17, and Brazil improved to 2-2.
Nathan Boujnah and Ilay Yarhi led Israel, who remain winless.
Australia Edge Canada in Nail-Biting One-Point Finish
In one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far, Australia narrowly held off Canada for a dramatic 67–66 win in Group A.
Australia led by 10 late in the first half, but Canada clawed their way back to within two at the break. The second half was end-to-end, with both sides exchanging blows and battling for momentum.
With under 30 seconds left, Canada’s Brandon Louie sank a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit to one. After forcing a turnover, Cameron Gelowitz had a final look to steal the win, but his long-range shot missed, handing Australia the win.
Jaylen Brown starred for the Aussies with 33 points and 14 rebounds, while Louie finished with 22 for Canada.
Germany Power Past Türkiye to Top Group A
Germany remained unblemished in Group A, dispatching Türkiye 81-60 to improve to 4-0.
In a battle between the two unbeaten sides in Group B, Germany flexed their muscles early in the third quarter before a run from their European counterparts made the German fans sweat.
However, Germany recovered and raced away in the final period to secure the win. Julian Lammering paced Germany with a sublime 31 points off 13/22 from the field, supported by 18 points and 15 assists from Maxi Lammering.
Hasan Efeturk led Türkiye with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Great Britain Overwhelm USA to Extend Winning Run
Great Britain delivered a statement performance in Group B, cruising past the USA 98–58 to stay unbeaten at 5–0.
After a close start, GB took control in the second quarter and never looked back, dominating the second half on both ends of the court.
Oscar Knight led the charge with 20 points and 10 rebounds. For the USA Andrew Beutel led the scoring with 18 points, but they couldn’t withstand Great Britain’s pressure and depth.
Italy Produce Strong All-Round Performance Against South Africa
Italy put in a composed and efficient showing in Group B, defeating South Africa 101–20 to move to 3–1 and boost their quarter-final hopes.
Alessandro Sbuelz led the scoring with 28 points and 5 rebounds, while 18-year-old Cristiano Uras impressed with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a balanced team effort.
Ntando Nokama once again led South Africa’s offense, contributing 8 points.
With one round of group games remaining and positions still in the balance, the stage is set for more high-stakes basketball and must-watch matchups.
Photo Credits: X-1/IWBF
#U23WBWC #IWBF #2025U23WBWC
