United States to Play for U19 Gold Medal; Down Spain 70-58 in Semis

19 July 2025

USA 70, ESP 58

View the USA-Spain box score here.

In a rematch of the 2023 U19 gold medal game, the USA (6-0) handed Spain (4-1) a 70-58 loss, their first of the tournament, and earned the right to play for an 11th FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup gold medal.

The United States will play Australia for the gold medal on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET. The matchup will be the fourth between the nations in the U19 title game (USA 3-0; 1997, 2019, 2021).

Australia beat Canada 87-75 in the other semifinal.

Postgame Notes

Viva la Vida: The battle of wills between two of the best defensive teams in the tournament was on full display for much of the first half, with the contest staying within 3 points and coming to a 26-26 tie with 4:07 to go in the second quarter. The United States went on to finish the period on a 12-2 run, fueled by 7 straight points from Jazzy Davidson, over the last 3:20 to take a 38-28 lead into halftime.

Spain had no answers for the stars and stripes in the third quarter. By the period’s midpoint, the U.S. had a 57-34 advantage with a flurry of buckets to take a 55-34 lead at the midpoint. The tally at the end of the third was 64-42 in favor of the USA.

Lost!: As they have for the duration of the tournament, the USA has given the opposing teams defensive fits. Spain similarly felt the pressure tonight and struggled from the field with a shooting percentage of 35.0% (21-60 FG, 2-10 3FG).

In 24 quarters of basketball, the red, white and blue have given up two 20-point quarters (both to France). Spain’s best quarter was the first with 19. They were held to 9, 14 and 16 subsequently.

A Sky Full of Stars: Entering the game, Spain was best defensive team, allowing just 50.8 points per game, 30.7% from the field and 18.7% from 3-point range. While the USA might not have had a banner night offensively, they were well above these averages at 70 points, 46.4% (25-56 FG) from the field and 43.8% (7-16 3FG) from long range.

Something Just Like This: After a 2-point performance on Friday vs. France, Davidson returned to form as one of the key features of the USA’s offense. She followed her 9-point first half, including the aforementioned 7-0 solo run, with 6 more in the second half. She ended the night with 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-4 3FG) to go with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals.

The Scientist: Saniyah Hall maintained her steady offensive contributions today with a team-high 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-4 3FG, 6-6 FT). To start, she hit a 2-pointer, a 3-pointer and 4 free throws for 9 points before her first miss. She closed the first half with 12 points, including a 3 during the USA’s run in the second quarter, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. In addition to leading her team in scoring for the second game in a row, she added 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Sparks: Though her contributions do not always show up in the box score, Jordan Lee’s energy on and leadership on both end of the court were critical last night vs. France and tonight vs. Spain. Statistically, tonight’s game was Lee’s best offensively with 15 points and 3 assists to go along with 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 33 minutes.

Up&Up: The United States improved to 106-13 overall in U19 competition and have won 27 consecutive games, dating back to the first Group Phase win (79-56 vs. AUS) at the 2019 edition, to set a record U19 Women’s World Cup win streak. Entering tonight, the USA owned two 25-game streaks (also: last 3 games in 2011, 9 wins in 2013, 7 wins in 2015, 6 wins in 2017).

The meeting between the United States and Spain was their 12th, dating back to their first matchup in 1989. The U.S. holds a 10-2 advantage against the Spaniards with three of those victories coming in the semifinals of the tournament (70-58 in 2025; 80-65 in 2015; 69-46 in 2007).

The Americans are 12-1 all-time in the U19 semifinals, including winners of 11 straight. Of those 12 victories, 11 have come by double-digit margins.