MADRID (Spain) - As the pause button is pushed on the first two days of action at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023, it's a perfect time to reflect on the ups and downs we've seen in Madrid.

Reviewing a fascinating first two gamedays in the Spanish capital, here are five ups and five downs.

UPS

Africa's got game (again!)

All stand in absolute respect and gratitude! Yes, Africa has shown yet again it has got some serious game. Both Egypt and Mali won on the second day and it could not have been more compelling or entertaining for us neutrals. Egypt were 44-12 behind against China but somehow turned over the 32 point arrears to deliver one of the greatest ever comebacks, not only in 'FIBAU19 history, but FIBA history full stop!

It was inspired by Jana Elalfy who is on a trajectory that may see her become Africa's leading player.

But Elalfy has got stiff competition for that moniker. Featured in the Player Power Rankings ahead of the competition, Maimouna Haidara has lived up to her billing - and since added a whole lot of serious sauce on top.

Her sensational triple-double and record-breaking 10 steals for Mali in the win against Chinese Taipei made Sunday July 16 a seriously memorable day for African hoops!

We're loving the 'double-double' frenzy

While the triple-double of Haidara was just exceptional, what about the absolute deluge of double-doubles we've been seeing across the tournament? The 'bigs' in particular have been doing absolute work during these opening two days.

There have been a staggering 18 double-doubles already and it's becoming tough to keep up with all the standout work that is going on right now!

Jocyte-Ball is now officially global 

It didn't take long did it? Many of you will have already known about the Lithuanian phenomenon that is Juste Jocyte, while some of you might have had her put onto your radar by the pre-tournament Player Power Rankings.

Now there is no missing her contributions and play after taking her team to a 2-0 record and justifying her rank of second in that PPR list. 

She did it all in the first day win against Brazil - showcasing her extensive skill-set with some nice numbers in what was her debut in a FIBA global competition. Those who have seen her a lot will have noticed she was still nowhere near her peak. But it was arguably her second display that said just as much, if not more about this special young player.

She recognized early it was not her day offensively against Italy, so led her side with an abundance of dirty work to help get the win. Jocyte-Ball is not just for the highlights reel!

We're getting some Fournier dunk vibes

Let's get this crystal clear from the outset. Toby Fournier is not all about THAT dunk at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. She is demonstrating that with some super displays for Canada here in Madrid.

She is averaging a jaw-dropping 16.0 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game for her unbeaten team. So taking this brilliance into account, can we politely request that since you have reminded us all what a brilliant player you are Toby, it's fine for us to order another throw down?  

Japan don't just make it rain...

Japan have understandably headlined for their devastating three-point shooting, having sunk a staggering 16 triples on day one in the win against Italy and another 12 against Brazil on day two. But this team has not just made it rain from downtown on sun-baked Madrid, they have also looked after the ball brilliantly and that needs to be flagged up for praise.

They have averaged just 10 turnovers per game (the joint-best in the tournament with USA) and that is no easy feat when you play their brand of high-octane basketball. 

DOWNS

Is this a wake-up call for China?

To be beaten by Egypt was unthinkable for China, but to also lose a 32-point lead in the process is a bitter pill to have to swallow. Still without a win heading into the third day, some women's basketball observers have noticed that their disappointment in Madrid is mirrored at the FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship which just finished.

They finished a mind-blowing sixth place and missed out on a ticket for next year's FIBA U17 World Cup. Ironic when you consider their recent FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 title win in Sydney.

What can ease South American struggles?

Currently a combined 0-4, it's been a tough start for Argentina and Brazil who look to be in need for some inspiration if they want to avoid finishing near the bottom of the standings in the competition.

It's still early days of course, but the signs are that it will be challenging. Brazil's struggles are clear as they have missed 26 of 29 shots from long-range, while Argentina also don't have the offensive firepower to keep pace with their opponents in a real 'Group of Death'.

USA are going to dominate again aren't they?

It's hats off to USA for that awesome second day display against Germany when they showed they are still the team to beat in this competition. It also confirmed that the title holders are surely on course to dominate once again.

Or, could the likes of host nation Spain end up challenging and pushing them close when we get to the business end of the tournament?

The Player Power Rankings and MVP vote just might just be impossible

Well okay, maybe we've sneaked in an extra 'up' here rather than a down, but in our defense, it is great for the competition that so many players are on absolute fire, but just spare a thought for those having to compile the next Player Power Rankings for later in this week and also sort out the candidates for the MVP vote.

It's looking more and more like 'Mission Impossible'!

Time goes slow when you're waiting for 'Glass Floor Day'

We counted down in recent weeks with real anticipation for the action to get underway in Madrid, but the excitement extends beyond the basketball itself. We've still got one majorly important countdown in process and seriously, could time go any slower?

From players, coaches, the media to the fans, everyone is super hyped for the Quarter-Finals onwards when we will see history made with Global Premiere of the LED Glass Floor. It's a date we just can't wait to arrive - yes, please, please hurry up 'Glass Floor Day'.

FIBA