U19 WWC Day 2: Egypt post epic 32 point comeback; Spain seal top spot in Group A

MADRID (Spain) - Day two of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup saw Egypt complete one of the all-time great comebacks, while hosts Spain beat neighbors France to cement first place in Group A.

Here's your roundup of what happened on Day 2 of the competition in Madrid. 

'Comeback Queens' Egypt stun China

Egypt claimed their first ever win against China after a remarkable comeback victory as they overturned a 32-point deficit to take a memorable and landmark 60-56 success. Trailing 44-12 in the second quarter, virtually nobody would have given Egypt a shot at victory, but somehow they did it - holding China to just 12 second-half points.

Jana Elalfy who is being touted to one day become the number one baller from Africa, came up with yet another double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.

No stopping Spain in derby game

Spain won their derby matchup against France in emphatic style as they completed a 72-59 win which delivered another statement of intent to be title challengers. In similar fashion to their opening day success against Australia, a red-hot start was the foundation for a triumph that wraps up pole position in Group A - courtesy of their head-to-head against both France and Australia.

Iyana Martin Carrion finished with 18 points, while teammate Carla Brito posted 16 points.

Triple-double Haidara hits top gear and sets new steals record 

 

Mali got rolling at the second attempt as they defeated Chinese Taipei 83-68 thanks to a stellar showing from team leader, Maimouna Haidara. Last year's FIBA U18 AfroBasket Women MVP showed why she is so highly rated with a wonderful triple-double and a new tournament steals record.

She finished with a breathtaking 19 points, 15 rebounds and incredible 10 steals.

Canada avoid a big Czech Republic comeback

It wasn't as quite as big a comeback as Egypt and ultimately, Czech Republic ended up falling short, but they gave Canada a big scare as they almost rescued a 25-point gap, at one juncture getting to within a point of their rivals. In the end, Canada held on for a tough 66-61 win to stay unbeaten. 

Both Toby Fournier and Cassandre Prosper further enhanced their respective reputations with eye-catching contributions. The former had a massive 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Prosper weighed in with her own double-double of 21 points and 10 boards.

Kitts helps USA coast past Germany

Reasonably impressive against Mali on the first day, USA and Chloe Kitts turned up the noise on their second outing as they soared past Germany 100-46 in what now looks very much a statement win from the reigning champions. Kitts was the star of the show as she amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Joyce Edwards also caught the eye with 21 points and 9 rebounds. 

Photo of the Day

Who would be a coach? Your team is 44-12 behind at a prestigious FIBA tournament and against a leading nation like China. But somehow, you end up masterminding one of your nation's greatest ever victories at any FIBA event. What a day it was for Egypt head coach, Mostafa Atef Hadhood. 

Who did it best?

 

Highlight of the Day

 
There are big hopes that Cassandre Prosper will be the baller that can catapult Canada onto the podium and this highlights mix shows exactly why. She shone with a typically influential all-around display in the matchup against Czech Republic. 

Other Results

- Japan are still flawless after they sunk 12 three-pointers against the winless Brazil to take a 77-58 triumph. Nanami Tsuno harvested 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the way. Taissa Nascimento Queiroz responded with 13 points and 13 boards in defeat.

- Lithuania will play Japan on Tuesday for top spot in Group C after a late surge saw them move past Italy 84-66. While Eleonora Villa shone with 25 points for Italy, Lithuania had five players in double digits, including 13 points and 14 boards from Gerda Raulusaityte.

- Australia got off the mark and bounced back from their opening day loss to Spain as they swept past Argentina 85-45. The win was founded on a majestic 26 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals from Isobel Borlase.

 

FIBA