The Women’s Basketball World Cup delivered a surprise as Mali overcame Spain 82-73, securing the nation’s second tournament victory after a dramatic overtime win against Senegal in 2010.
Mali’s Historic Win
Sika Kone was the catalyst for Mali, pouring in 19 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, including a pair of three‑pointers that sparked a decisive third‑quarter surge. Her teammate Djeneba N’Diaye matched her scoring output with 19 points, reinforcing Mali’s push to a 2‑10 record in World Cup history.
In the same pool, Germany dispatched Japan 74-58, exploding for 28 points in the opening quarter and limiting Japan to a paltry 3‑for‑27 from beyond the arc, while Leonie Fiebich’s defensive pressure kept the Japanese offense in check.
Hungary’s Long‑Awaited Triumph
Hungary broke a 28‑year drought with a 71-67 victory over Nigeria, a result powered by Dorka Juhasz’s 19‑point, 16‑rebound double‑double, while Nigeria fell to a 0‑2 record despite Amy Okonkwo’s 17 points.
Spain’s Iyana Martin contributed 20 points, and Japan’s Kokoro Tanaka led her team with 15, but Japan’s reliance on a three‑point shot that went cold, converting only three of 27 attempts, underscored their struggle, while Germany’s Leonie Fiebich continued to dominate the defensive end.
Group A Tight Race
With all four Group A teams finishing their pool matches at 1‑1, the tournament now heads into a knockout stage where each nation’s identical ledger promises a tightly contested battle for the top spot.