Gold was what they came for, but the United States basketball teams will not be going home with it.

The favourites coming into the competition, the boys' team were outclassed 34-29 after extra-time by Serbia in their semi-final.

It was a similar story for the girls' team, who suffered a shock 23-25 extra-time defeat by Australia.

The Serbs were more than a match for their more illustrious rivals, taking advantage of some poor shooting to tie the game at 27-27 after regulation time.

Their physical approach ensured the US were restricted to just two points in extra-time.

Serbia's coach Marko Simonovic said he was pleased with his team's display.

"My team came to Singapore to win the gold medal," he added. "With the performance today, we will."

US boys' team coach Eric Flannery said: "Being USA basketball, everyone expects us to win. But the beauty of 3-on-3 basketball is that it levels the playing field and gives more teams the opportunity to win.

"The key now is for the players to regain their focus and get the bronze (against Greece today)."

Basketball action concludes today at *scape Youth Space, where Croatia take on Serbia in the men's final, while Australia and China will contest the girls' affair.