Luke Paul powered the Australian Crocs to a 77-69 victory over Türkiye in the FIBA U17 World Cup third-place game, securing Australia’s return to the tournament podium. Paul finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks as the Crocs claimed the bronze medal.

What happened

Australia closed its World Cup campaign by overcoming Türkiye in the game for third place. The eight-point victory was driven by Paul’s influence across the floor, with the Australian standout contributing as a scorer, rebounder, facilitator and rim protector.

Paul’s 19 points led the supplied individual performances, while his 10 rebounds completed a double-double. His seven assists left him three short of a triple-double, and his three blocks contributed to an exceptional defensive total for Australia.

Yahya Basaran delivered Türkiye’s leading listed performance with 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. His double-double was not enough to prevent the Crocs from taking the final place on the podium.

Why it matters

The result gave Australia its first U17 World Cup medal in 12 years. It was also the country’s third podium finish overall at the event, restoring the Crocs to medal position after more than a decade away.

For Türkiye, the defeat ended an attempt to secure a second consecutive bronze medal. The team finished fourth after reaching the third-place game but could not repeat its previous podium result.

The medal also capped a tournament in which Paul emerged as a central figure for Australia. His production in the bronze-medal game provided a decisive final statement as the Crocs converted their opportunity to leave the World Cup with a medal.

By the numbers

Paul accounted for 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in the 77-69 win. That line placed him within three assists of a triple-double while showing the range of his impact in the tournament’s third-place contest.

Australia recorded 13 blocks as a team. That total tied the second-most blocks by one team in U17 World Cup history and underlined the defensive presence that accompanied the Crocs’ scoring effort.

Basaran countered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Türkiye while adding three blocks. Both Paul and Basaran therefore finished the medal game with double-doubles and three blocked shots.

What to watch next

Attention now turns to the development of Paul and the other players who stood out during the World Cup. Paul’s near triple-double in the bronze-medal game gives his post-tournament progression particular relevance after Australia’s first podium finish in 12 years.

The Crocs leave the event with bronze and a place in the competition’s record book through their 13-block performance. Türkiye departs in fourth place after falling short of consecutive bronze medals.