USA Down Australia in 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup Group Play

12 July 2026

USA 74, AUS 72

The 2026 USA Basketball Women’s U17 National Team (2-0) stand atop Group A at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup after a 74-72 triumph over Australia (1-1) on Sunday in Brno, Czechia.

A thriller, the U.S. denied Australia on their final possession to thwart any chances of a comeback. The game featured 8 ties and 5 lead changes.

The U.S. has won 24 consecutive games at the U17 World Cup, dating back to 2016.

View the USA-Australia box score here.

POSTGAME NOTES

Far Far Away: Brno saw the same American starting five from the opening game vs. CIV: Caroline Bradley, Olivia Jones, Eve Long, Ivanna Wilson Manyacka and Micah Ojo. Key off the bench for the red, white and blue was Morghan Reckley and her 11 points (4-6 FG) in 14 minutes.

Fear Me, If You Dare: The U.S. leads the all-time U17 series against Australia, 3-1. The matchup in 2024 also came in group play while the 2012 contest was in the quarterfinals. The lone win for Australia came in 2016 (60-73 in the semifinals). The USA (6) and Australia (1) are the only two teams to have won a U17 gold medal.

Honestly: A game that was played in the interior, the U.S. held its own (and then some) on the glass. Winning the rebound battle, 53-40, the Americans pulled down 27 of the offensive variety for what would be 18 second chance points (to Australia’s 11).

Say Something Crazy: Australia recorded 29 turnovers (24 steals) in their opening game but failed to frustrate the Americans at such a clip. Forcing just 11 turnovers (6 steals), the Australian points on turnovers dipped from 29 to just 10. Meanwhile, the USA forced 16 miscues (8 steals) for 18 points off turnovers.

Be Good: Wilson Manyacka was the USA offense to start the first quarter, beginning the game 3-for-3 from the field and responsible for the American’s first 7 points. After a 21-point showing in the opener against Ivory Coast, Wilson Manyacka finished tonight with her first double-double of the tournament, notching 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-5 3FG) and grabbing 11 rebounds. Bradley also tallied 14 points (4-12 FG, 6-8 FT) in the USA win. Ojo rounded out double-digit scorers for the Americans with 10 (3-9 FG, 4-4 FT).