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BRATISLAVA (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Tournament favourites USA left it late before securing a 74-66 victory over Spain at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women.

The Group E rivals, who had both won their opening eighth-finals game, were separated by just two points with only 60 seconds remaining.

But a 28-point haul from Jantel Lavender and a further 19 from Maya Moore helped the US secure victory by an eventual eight-point margin.

The US took a narrow 23-20 lead going into the second period after a thrilling first quarter which saw plenty of attacking purpose.

However, Spain were not to be undone and they bridged the gap by half-time to level the scores up at 37-37.

The game continued to entertain and a high-scoring third quarter resulted in the encounter being tied at 52-52 going into the final 10 minutes.

However, the USA ultimately proved their tournament credentials to grind out victory and secure two vital points.

Drew Williams
FIBA