FIBA U19 World Cup: Cameroon Falls to Australia in 2OT Thriller Despite Bilibi, Seini Heroics

FIBA U19 World Cup: Cameroon Falls to Australia in 2OT Thriller Despite Bilibi, Seini Heroics

In one of the most electrifying matchups of the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup so far, it took two overtimes and a pair of clutch threes from Alexander Dickeson for Australia to finally edge past a relentless Cameroon side, 101–96, in Group D action at Lausanne.

The win was not just dramatic—it was historic. With over 11 lead changes, two nerve-racking extra periods, and a rebounding record smashed, this encounter will surely be remembered as one of the finest in U19 World Cup history.

From the opening tip, it was clear neither team came to play second fiddle. Cameroon, playing with intensity and confidence, stood toe-to-toe with an Australian squad widely considered one of the favorites. Every quarter unfolded like a chess match—each possession calculated, each mistake capitalized upon.

In the fourth quarter, Cameroon began to separate. Thanks to sharp ball movement and the inside-out play of Frank Bilibi and Gedeon Basson, the Lions of Cameroon clawed out a six-point lead with under two minutes left. It felt like a statement win in the making, but Alexander Dickeson had other plans.

With just four seconds left in regulation and Australia trailing by three, Dickeson pulled up from well beyond the arc and buried a dagger three that silenced the Cameroon bench and knotted the score. Cameroon failed to respond in the final seconds, sending the game into its first overtime. Even then, the drama was far from over.

Cameroon stormed ahead in the first OT, leading 91–88 with seconds remaining. Again, Dickeson stepped into the spotlight, delivering a cold-blooded three-pointer to force a second overtime. His clutch gene was undeniable. By the second OT, the momentum had entirely shifted.

Australia began to wear down the Cameroonian defense with relentless movement. Roman Suilepa and Dash Daniels all poured in 22 points apiece, combining for relentless pressure that eventually overwhelmed Cameroon’s rotation.

Dickeson finished with 12 points, but every single one of them came when it mattered most. Still, it would be a mistake to let Australia’s victory overshadow the heroic performance of Cameroon.

Frank Bilibi led all scorers with 29 points, powering his way through defenders and keeping his team in contention with tough buckets in the paint. Gedeon Basson was just as vital, adding 24 points and serving as Cameroon’s emotional leader throughout the game. Noe Bom’s 15 points gave the team crucial energy off the wing.

But the headline from Cameroon’s side was Amadou Seini, who grabbed 25 rebounds—the most ever by a Cameroonian player in the history of the U19 World Cup. He also added 15 points, joining Andrew Bogut in the record books as one of the top rebounders in tournament history. Even in defeat, Cameroon walked off the court with heads high.

With the win, Australia moves to 1–2 in Group D, while Cameroon falls to 0–2, but the tournament is far from over for both teams. If this battle was any indication, both squads have what it takes to make a deep run.

In a tournament designed to spotlight the next generation of stars, this double-overtime thriller did not just shine a light—it set the arena ablaze.