Spain, Canada, USA and France in the Final Four on a day of stunning statistics

MADRID (Spain) - The lineup for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals is now known after a compelling day of action in Madrid, where there were some eye-popping numbers produced.

Here's your roundup of how things went down in the Spanish capital on Quarter-Finals day and a historic one after the world premiere of the state of the art LED glass floor.

36 point Lacan helps France past Japan in OT thriller

France are celebrating moving into the Semi-Finals thanks mainly to their star baller Leila Lacan who chose the perfect time to shift up a gear. Her superb 36 points, including a decisive triple which iced the game,  was the seventh best in FIBA U19 WWC history - and proved to be the difference in an absorbing 80-78 overtime victory against Japan.

"WE KNEW THEIR STRENGTH WAS PLAYING FAST AND THE 3- POINT SHOT. WE TRIED TO STOP THIS. WE'RE REALLY PROUD TO NOW PLAY THE SEMI-FINALS." - Leila Lacan

With Anaelle Dutat also exceptional alongside her in recording 15 points, 18 rebounds and an exceptional 8 steals, France had enough to edge past their previously unbeaten opponents. Meanwhile it was only the third time since efficiency was introduced that teammates have both had an efficiency greater than 30 in the same game.

Phenomenal 20 point and 23 rebound Fournier sends Canada through

Canada claimed an 82-69 victory against Mali to make the Semi-Finals although had to overcome a big wobble in the last quarter when they almost blew their 19-point lead. However, with some of their opponents' leading figures fouling out and a seriously special display from Toby Fournier, they were able to pull clear and take the victory.

"WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR TEAM ENERGY ON THE COURT AND BENCH. THIS WILL HOPEFULLY HELP US KEEP WINNING- Toby Fournier

The success was built on the brilliance of Fournier, who became only the 10th player to have completed a double-double of more than 20 points and 20 rebounds in history. She also claimed the joint third all-time highest rebounds tally as she hauled down 23 boards to go with her 20 points and 3 blocks. Cassandre Prosper came to the party too with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Syla Swords netted 21 points.

USA post historic Quarter-Finals high while Hidalgo gets on all-time assists list with 13 dimes

Now just two wins away from retaining their cherished silverware, USA look to be getting better and better with every game after they rolled past Czech Republic 121-61 - posting a record-breaking score in a Quarter-Finals game at the competition.  There was also a brilliant contribution from Hannah Hidalgo whose 13 assists was the fourth best by any baller in the all-time list and she made it a double-double by scoring 16 points.

"WE HAVE TO KEEP ON PLAYING AGGRESSIVE AND WITH THE WAY WE'VE PLAYED AND SHARED THE BALL TOGETHER." - Hannah Hidalgo

Meanwhile Joyce Edwards strengthened her case for being the potential TISSOT MVP after she posted her best display of the competition with 23 points as she went 10 of 11 from the field - also adding 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Home joy as Spain lock down Lithuania

Host nation Spain are safely into the Semi-Finals after they threw a defensive blanket over European rivals Lithuania to take a 67-49 victory. A super start and some awesome defense was key to the triumph as they raced clear of their opponents from the tip-off.

"THE CROWD IS REALLY SUPPORTIVE. IT'S A PARTY, IT'S CRAZY. WE ARE IN THE SEMIS BUT THE JOB ISN'T DONE YET. WE TAKE IT GAME BY GAME." - Iyana Martin Carrion

Awa Fam who proved to be the main architect. She helped to send the locals home happy after stepping off the floor with 12 points, 11 boards and 5 assists, while Iyana Martin Carrion top scored with 18 points.

Elalfy posts a top five all-time U19 WWC points tally and joint second best efficiency

Jana Elalfy continued her sensational campaign with Egypt as she racked up the fourth highest individual points tally in competition history with an epic 38 points in an 83-79 win against Chinese Taipei. The Egyptian ace also made it a massive double-double by pulling down 18 rebounds to collect a performance efficiency valuation of 42 - the second joint-highest ever recorded at the event. 

Photo of the Day

This was a day that had everything. From drama and some super competitive games, to the unveiling of the new floor. This photo epitomizes the headline themes of the day perfectly.

Who did it best?

Let's check the Top Performers of today.

Highlight of the Day

 
Hannah Hidalgo was doing Hannah Hidalgo things against Czech Republic who had no answer to her creative and scoring ability. 

Other Results

- Australia bounced back from their disappointment at missing the Quarter-Finals for the first time by beating winless Brazil 91-60.

- Germany ensured China also don't have a victory to their name at the event after Annika Soltau racked up 25 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks to take the European side to a 76-63 win.

- Argentina are also 0-5 after they were left heartbroken by a 71-68 double overtime loss against Italy. 

Semi-Finals

Spain vs Canada 
France vs USA

Classification Games for 5-8

Japan vs Czech Republic
Mali vs Lithuania 

Classification Games for 9-16 

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

FIBA