USA shoot past Serbia to win 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and retain title

  MADRID (2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The United States shot their way to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup title by hitting 15 three-pointers in a 129-92 victory over Serbia in Sunday's Final to become the first repeat world champions since 2002.

 

Kyrie Irving and James Harden combined to hit nine of 11 three-pointers and scored 26 and 23 points respectively to lead the Americans in scoring. Six other US players scored in double figures, including DeMarcus Cousins, who had 11 points and nine rebounds.

 

The USA, winners of the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, claimed their fifth world crown, pulling them even with Yugoslavia for the most in history. Yugoslavia are also the last team to repeat as world champions in 1998 and 2002. Brazil also accomplished the feat in 1959 and 1963.

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Serbia secured their best placing under the Serbian flag as runners-up. Click here for the full game report.

Irving was rewarded for his impressive tournament and huge individual performance in the Final by receiving the Most Valuable Player awarded, presented by Tissot.

The 22-year-old headlined the All-Star Five which also included his USA team-mate Kenneth Faried, Serbia guard Milos Teodosic, France forward Nicolas Batum, and Spain big man Pau Gasol.

In Saturday's Third-Place Game, France bounced back from a rough third quarter just in time to scrape past Lithuania 95-93 for their best-ever result in FIBA's flagship event. Click here for the full game report.

Final Standings of 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup:

1. USA

2. Serbia

3. France

4. Lithuania

5. Spain

6. Brazil

7. Slovenia

8. Turkey

9. Greece

10. Croatia

11. Argentina

12. Australia

13. Dominican Republic

14. Mexico

15. New Zealand

16. Senegal

17. Angola

18. Ukraine

19. Puerto Rico

20. Iran

21. Philippines

22. Finland

23. Korea

24. Egypt

By: Editor