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The United States closed out their 2025 IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship campaign with a hard-fought 64–55 win over Italy to claim fifth place, an improvement on their sixth-place result from the 2021 edition.
In a rematch of their group phase clash, which saw Italy come out on top, the game was always going to be tightly contested. Italy looked to repeat their earlier success and came out with control and composure, building a seven-point lead in the second quarter and dictating the rhythm for much of the first half.
But the USA, showing the determination that’s defined their tournament, began to claw back momentum. With Tim Houston leading the charge, the Americans stayed in touching distance and struck at the right time with a crucial late run in the fourth quarter.
Houston finished as the USA’s top scorer with 20 points, helping his side flip the script from their group stage defeat and close out the competition on a high note.
Italy, for their part, battled valiantly and can take great pride in securing sixth place, their highest-ever finish at a U23 World Championship. Alessandro Sbuelz capped off an outstanding individual tournament with a powerful double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds.
Both teams walk away with valuable experience to build on ahead of the next cycle.
Photo Credits: X-1/IWBF
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