The former Abdi İpekçi Arena, now home to Anadolu Efes, was packed almost to capacity as Serbia’s youngsters faced a talented Turkish team backed by a passionate home crowd and led by Ömer Kutlay, the son of former Turkish star İbrahim Kutlay. It was clear from the opening tip that nothing would come easy and that Serbia would have to fight for every possession to silence the Istanbul crowd, which had gathered the biggest names in Turkish basketball.
The Young Eagles were not intimidated. Instead, they embraced the battle, producing a thrilling contest filled with drama and spectacular moments. After an emotional rollercoaster, Serbia booked its place in the FIBA U17 World Cup final with a 76-71 victory and will now face the United States for the gold medal.
The game brought back memories of the 2010 FIBA World Championship semifinal between Serbia’s senior team and Turkey. Everyone remembers how that game ended, and this contest bore an uncanny resemblance to that unforgettable clash. Everything seemed familiar—except for the outcome. This time, Serbia’s youngsters got the job done. They repaid an old debt and showed they are something special, proving they possess heart, composure, and basketball intelligence. For this generation, the sky truly is the limit.
Nikola Kusturica once again carried the team offensively, but the victory was a complete team effort. Matija Lukić produced a decisive scoring run late in the game, while Ognjen Simjanovski hit crucial baskets that settled Serbia whenever the pressure peaked. Head coach Stevan Mijović’s squad displayed tremendous character, once again proving why many consider this generation one of Serbia’s brightest in years.
Kusturica finished as Serbia’s leading scorer with 25 points, continuing his outstanding tournament. Lukić added 20 points, delivering a fearless performance, while Simjanovski chipped in with 10 points, several of which came at pivotal moments.
Officially putting Nikola Kusturica on my ‘Future Stars’ list 📋#FIBAU17 x @KSSrbije pic.twitter.com/InVIORr3vI
— NextGen Hoops (@NextGenHoops) July 4, 2026
GAME SUMMARY
The contest began at a frantic pace. Although Turkey made the first move, Serbia responded through Kusturica and Lukić, who combined for 13 points in the opening quarter to erase the deficit and give the visitors the lead after the first period.
The second quarter featured an excellent stretch from Miličić. The son of the famous Serbian center brought toughness and energy to the floor, while Kusturica continued to lead the offense as Serbia gradually built an advantage. The Young Eagles went into halftime leading by eight points, despite failing to make a single three-pointer in the opening half.
Simjanovski quickly changed that after the break by knocking down Serbia’s first three-pointer, setting the tone for an excellent third quarter. Although Ömer Kutlay kept Turkey within striking distance, Serbia maintained control thanks to relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Lukić connected from beyond the arc again, while Kusturica and Stepanović extended Serbia’s lead to 13 points.
However, the Young Eagles appeared to relax slightly, allowing Beşir to spark Turkey’s comeback and forcing Mijović to call a timeout. It failed to halt the momentum, as Kutlay took command and led the hosts all the way back into the game.
Inspired by the home crowd, Turkey eventually overturned the deficit, leaving Serbia trailing. It looked as though the Young Eagles were running out of steam—until Kusturica ignited the team with a thunderous dunk that restored belief. Lukić then buried one three-pointer, followed immediately by another, putting Serbia back in front.
Turkey stayed within striking distance, refusing to give up. But when Serbia needed a hero once more, Simjanovski delivered another clutch three-pointer that all but sealed the victory. The smell of triumph was in the air—and it proved to be real. Serbia advanced to the World Championship final and booked a blockbuster showdown with the United States for the gold medal.
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Source: Meridian Sport Foto: FIBA