France battle back to pip Spain to top spot with Round of 16 matchups confirmed

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The Round of 16 matchups have been set at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2021 with several intriguing ties lying in wait following the conclusion of the Group Phase on Tuesday.

We take a look at how each group played out with all 16 participating teams advancing to the knockout stages.

Group A

		GAMES				GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	USA	3	3	0	100	292	132	160	97.3	44	6
2	Australia	3	2	1	66.7	216	169	47	72	56.3	5
3	Italy	3	1	2	33.3	160	227	-67	53.3	75.7	4
4	Egypt	3	0	3	0	137	277	-140	45.7	92.3	3

USA continued their charge to a potential ninth title as they moved to 3-0 with an emphatic 97-36 win against Egypt behind several key contributions. Sonia Citron had 13 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists along with 3 blocks off the bench with Azzi Fudd top scoring with 18 points as they cruised into the Round of 16.

In the battle for second place, Australia pulled clear in the second quarter on their way to a 58-42 triumph over Italy. The defense told in the second half with the Gems limiting their opponents to just 16 points as they moved into a showdown with Argentina.

Group B

		GAMES				GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	Russia	3	3	0	100	215	143	72	71.7	47.7	6
2	Hungary	3	2	1	66.7	235	141	94	78.3	47	5
3	Argentina	3	1	2	33.3	136	209	-73	45.3	69.7	4
4	Chinese Taipei	3	0	3	0	143	236	-93	47.7	78.7	3

Russia made it three wins from three with a 72-45 victory against Chinese Taipei as they used a 21-2 run in the second quarter. Anastasiia Odintcova led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds with Anastasia Kosu also adding a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Hungary secured their second win of the group as they dominated Argentina in an 80-29 rout - outscoring their opponents 49-9 in the middle periods. Reka Dombai top scored with 16 points with the hosts advancing in second spot with Italy and Australia their next opponents.

Group C

		GAMES				GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	France	3	3	0	100	241	148	93	80.3	49.3	6
2	Spain	3	2	1	66.7	231	124	107	77	41.3	5
3	Korea	3	1	2	33.3	152	253	-101	50.7	84.3	4
4	Brazil	3	0	3	0	148	247	-99	49.3	82.3	3

France overcame a slow start as they bounced back from a 15-point deficit to seal top spot in Group C by beating Spain 65-61. It was an all-round effort from France with 11 players on the scoresheet as they took the lead inside the fourth and were able to hold on down the stretch.

"We are satisfied with what we did today," commented Serena Kessler. "When we were minus 15, the key was the fight and defensive rebounds. The whole team worked together with the same mindset to get this result.

"Like everyday, we will stay focused and get ready for our next opponents. We cannot underestimate any opponent even if we face the team in last place of the group because it is a tough group." 

Meanwhile, Korea picked up their first win after surviving a mammoth performance from Maiara Pereira to prevail 80-74. They turned a one-point half-time deficit into a double-double digit advantage and were able to close out the game with their starters all playing 36+ minutes each.

Group D

		GAMES				GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	Czech Republic	3	2	1	66.7	154	137	17	51.3	45.7	5
2	Mali	3	2	1	66.7	155	139	16	51.7	46.3	4
3	Japan	3	1	2	33.3	198	212	-14	66	70.7	4
4	Canada	3	1	2	33.3	223	242	-19	74.3	80.7	4

It was all to play for in Group D heading into the final day and it was Czech Republic earning top spot as they recorded a hard-fought 63-58 success against Japan. Two defeats since their opening win meant Japan slipped to third with another European side in Spain awaiting next.

Mali were impressive again as they locked up second spot with a convincing 88-62 victory over Canada with six players reaching double figures in the win. Elisabeth Kamite Dabou top scored with 18 points with the African side setting a showdown with Korea, while Canada will take on France.

Player of the Day: Maiara Pereira (BRA)

It may not have resulted in a victory, but there is no denying the brilliance of Maiara Pereira's performance for Brazil. A historic 30-point, 20-rebound display was rounded out by 7 assists for an incredible efficiency mark of 42 in defeat against Korea as the standout performer of the day's action.

Round of 16:
USA v Chinese Taipei
Spain v Japan
Italy v Hungary
Brazil v Czech Republic
Australia v Argentina
France v Canada
Egypt v Russia
Korea v Mali

FIBA