Mali Stuns Spain 82-73 in FIBA Women’s World Cup Upset

Mali defeated Spain 82-73 on Saturday on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, handing one of many match’s favorites its first lack of the group stage in Berlin.

Playing at Max-Schmeling-Halle, Mali trailed at halftime earlier than a decisive third-quarter run put the sport away. Mali outscored Spain 31-19 within the third quarter, keyed by a 12-2 burst that erased Spain’s lead for good.

Sika Kone led Mali with a double-double of 19 factors and 10 rebounds. Djeneba N’Diaye added 19 factors of her personal. For Spain, Iyana Martin scored 20 factors and Megan Gustafson completed with 16.

The win was Mali’s first of the match after a gap loss to Japan, and it moved the crew degree with Spain at 1-1 atop Group A. Spain, one of many match’s favorites, had opened with a win over Germany earlier than Saturday’s defeat.

The outcome leaves each groups tied on file heading into the ultimate day of group play, with tiebreakers more likely to decide seeding into the match’s subsequent spherical.