MANILA, Philippines – Germany ended its dream FIBA World Cup run with the prized Naismith Trophy in its possession.

Germany captured a historic World Cup title in its first-ever final appearance after pulling off a pulsating 83-77 win over Serbia at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, September 10.

Dennis Schroder netted 28 points and presided over a key third quarter as the Germans built a double-digit lead before they weathered the Serbians’ comeback to complete their undefeated run before a 12,022-strong crowd.

The Die Mannschaft concluded their campaign with an immaculate 8-0 record, stretching the streak of unbeaten teams winning it all in the World Cup for a fifth straight edition since 2006.

“Surreal moment,” said Germany head coach Gordie Herbert. Tremendous group of players. We are team first and we have individual talents.”

“The guys care about each other and they challenge each other and we competed.”

Schroder scattered 7 points in an 18-6 run to end the third period that turned a 51-51 deadlock to a 69-57 lead, then scored 4 points in the last 25 seconds that gave Germany enough separation to hack out the victory.

Buried as deep as 59-71 early in the fourth quarter, Serbia clawed its way back as Aleksa Avramovic caught fire with 14 points in an 18-8 run that cut their deficit to 77-79 with 40 seconds remaining.

Schroder – who crowned himself the World Cup MVP – had other plans, however.

The Toronto Raptors guard blew past Avramovic for the layup that pushed their lead to two possessions and sank the win-sealing throws with 12 seconds left as the Germans erupted in celebration.

Franz Wagner posted 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Johannes Voigtmann put up 12 points and 8 rebounds for Germany, which bagged its first World Cup medal since Dirk Nowitzki led the country to bronze in 2002.

The loss denied Serbia its maiden World Cup crown as it suffered another final heartbreak after settling for silver in 2014.

Avramovic turned in 21 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 17 points and 5 assists, although he got limited to just 2 points in the second half.

‘Unbelievable’ feat

Schroder credited Herbert for his masterful guidance of the Die Mannschaft.

In the first two years of his three-year plan, Herbert – a former player who represented Canada in the World Cup and the Olympics – steered Germany to a bronze in the EuroBasket last year and a landmark title in the World Cup.

“Coach did a great job of bringing us together. [Everybody knew] their roles. Everybody just brings the best to be successful,” said Schroder.

Bunched in Group E, Germany swept Japan, Australia, and Finland to advance to the second round, where it kept its record unblemished with a pair of dominant victories over Slovenia and Georgia.

The Germans’ toughest test came at the hands of World Cup debutant Latvia in the quarterfinals as it survived a horrendous 4-of-26 shooting from Schroder and a fourth-quarter meltdown to hack out an 81-79 win.

Everything came together for Germany after that near miss.

Wagner, Andreas Obst, and Daniel Theis joined Nowitzki in the list of German players to score at least 20 points against the USA as the Die Mannschaft eked out a 113-111 win over the Americans to reach the World Cup final.

Schroder then took over the biggest game of the tournament as Germany became the first team to win the World Cup final in its first appearance at that stage since Spain achieved the feat in 2006.

“It is just unbelievable going 8-0. Winning the gold medal, just a blessing,” said Schroder.

Earlier, Canada bagged a breakthrough World Cup medal as it took home bronze following a 127-118 overtime win over the United States powered by Dillon Brooks’ 39-point explosion.

The Scores

Germany 83 – Schroder 28, F. Wagner 19, Voigtmann 12, M. Wagner 8, Obst 7, Bonga 7, Theis 2, Giffey 0, Thiemann 0, Lo 0. 

Serbia 77 – Avramovic 21, Bogdanovic 17,  Petrusev 10, N. Jovic 9, Marinkovic 9, Guduric 4, S. Jovic 3,  Davidovac 2, Milutinov 2, Dobric 0.

Quarters: 23-26, 47-47, 69-57, 83-77. 

– Rappler.com