07/11/2009 - Duke Sports Information

Auckland, New Zealand – The U.S. U19 World Championship team held on for an 81-77 victory over Croatia on Saturday in the semifinals to improve to 8-0 and advance to the championship on Sunday. 

Duke’s Seth Curry helped push team USA into the finals with 10 points. He scored seven of his 10 points in the second quarter to help the Americans take a 46-33 lead at halftime.

Croatia stormed back in the third quarter with a string of baskets that put them in front by two points, 55-53, with 1:39 remaining in the period. The final quarter was a narrow, hard fought period with Shelvin Mack hitting a tough pull up and Gordon Haywood hitting 4/4 free throws and pulling in a crucial offensive rebound to help the USA secure their 4-point win.

Haywood was again outstanding for the USA with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Curry (10 points) was crucial in the first half that set up the USA’s victory. Ashton Gibbs (11 points) and Terrico White (10) also scored in double figures.

The U.S. victory set the stage for the gold medal game which will take place on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (Auckland local time). The Americans will face Greece, who defeated Australia 84-69 in the other semifinal on Saturday.