MADRID (Spain) - There was drama in the Round of 16 in Madrid as Mali beat Australia to a FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 Quarter-Finals ticket, while France survived a scare against Germany.

 Here's everything you need to know about what happened in the Round of 16 in the Spanish capital - including the Quarter-Finals pairings below.

Magical Mali keep up the momentum to stun the Gems

There's no stopping Mali right now as they leapt into the Quarter-Finals with a superb 74-67 success against Australia who are contemplating missing out on the top eight for the first time in their history. Mali had too much and were inspired as usual by Maimouna "triple double" Haidara with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile Mama Cisse was a big factor with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals.

Mali are now just one win away from repeating their fairytale run to the Semi-Finals at the last edition in Debrecen in 2021. They can also be immensely proud of becoming the first African nation (women or men) to make the Quarter-Finals three editions in a row at a FIBA event (including U17, U19 and senior FIBA Basketball World Cups).

France breathe a sigh of relief after seeing off Germany

It was a monumental struggle for France to get past Germany in their Round of 16 matchup but they eventually claimed a hard-fought 63-60 victory. That was despite having trailed for almost 39 minutes of the contest. They reeled their opponents back in when the game was in danger of drifting away - helped by stellar work on the glass from Anaelle Dutat who claimed 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Czech Republic win a shootout with Italy

In what proved to be one of the highest scoring games of the entire tournament, Czech Republic marched into the Quarter-Finals courtesy of a 92-84 win against Italy.

Dominka Paurova was in great form again, contributing 24 points. 5 rebounds and 3 assists, with Valentyna Kadlecova forming a twin turbo with her teammate by pouring in 26 points.  

Photo of the Day

Who else? It has to be Mali of course, flying their own flag - but also flying the flag proudly for African basketball with another super display and a guaranteed top eight finish for a third consecutive edition.

Who did it best?

Let's check the Top Performers of today.

Highlight of the Day

 
You could argue that Dominka Paurova has went under the radar. While she did feature in the Player Power Rankings heading into the tournament, she is maybe now getting the true recognition she deserves for her amazing moves and plays. 

Spanish ace  Buenavida dishes out tournament high 11 assists 

Playmaker Elena Buenavida became the first player at this edition to reach double-digits for assists after passing the rock 11 times as Spain swept aside Chinese Taipei 93-65. There was also a double-double from Awa Fam of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Carla Brito dropped 19 points.

Other Results

- Lithuania collected a comfortable 86-64 win against Egypt, despite the Africans receiving another majestic effort from Jana Elalfy with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Lithuania had too much depth and were led by 19 points from Ugne Sirtautaite.

- Canada are now 4-0 in the competition as they blasted past Americas rivals Brazil to deliver a commanding 89-45 triumph that was built around Toby Fournier doing more good work. The center excelled with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

- Similarly USA also racked up a massive win as they also stormed past an Americas rival by beating Argentina 112-36. Chloe Kitts continued her impressive tournament with 16 points and 9 boards, while Allie Ziebell top scored with 20 points.

- Finally, Japan won an Asian derby with China by 75-58 as Honoka Morioka showed out with a near triple-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.

Quarter-Finals

Spain vs Lithuania
Mali vs Canada
France vs Japan
USA vs Czech Republic

Classification Games for 9-16 

Chinese Taipei vs Egypt
Germany vs China
Australia vs Brazil
Italy vs Argentina

FIBA