RIGA, LATVIA (AP) - Toni Katic scored 21 points to lead Croatia to an 87-85 victory over the United States on Wednesday in the second round of FIBA’s Under 19 World Championship, the defending champion’s first loss in the tournament.
Jeremy Lamb of NCAA champ Connecticut had 25 points for the U.S. (5-1), which had already clinched a berth in the quarterfinals that start Friday.
The U.S. trailed 70-61 after three quarters but went on a 19-5 run over the first 7 minutes of the final period. Lamb hit a jumper with 24.9 seconds left to bring the U.S. within 86-85. Katic made one free throw with 20.4 seconds left to give Croatia (4-2) an 87-85 lead and Lamb missed a jumper in the final seconds.
Patric Young of Florida had 15 points and eight rebounds for the U.S.
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