YAOUNDE (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Mali ended Gabon's unbeaten run in Saturday's last action of AfroBasket Women 2015 Group A with a 71-63 victory as Nassira Traore, Kankou Coulibaly and Ouleymatou Coulibaly combined for 45 points in the winning cause.

It was Mali's second triumph in three games as they remain in race for top spot of the group.

Turning Point: Gabon entered the second quarter leading 17-15, but Meiya Tirera and Nassira Traore changed the course of the game for Mali. Tirera owned the low post, scoring her first eight points in the second quarter, while Traore ignited Amara Traore's team with a crucial three-pointer that gave Mali a 43-28 lead - their biggest before the break.

Stats Don't Lie: Gabon paid the price for poor rotation, and it became more evident as Mali's bench outscored Gabon's 41-5.  

Game Hero: Even though Gabon fell short, Geraldine Robert  did a bit of everything as she led all scorers with 25 points, grabbed seven rebounds and drew a staggering 14 fouls. 

Bottom Line: Mali stepped on floor knowing that double-teaming Robert would be their best defense option to deny Gabon. In so many occasions the Gabonese star faced the Malians aggressive defense, but she still managed to get away with a number of key plays. Robert limped off the court in the third quarter - after suffering a collision with an opponent - but returned immediately after, but Mali weren't prepared to give away their much-needed lead.

FIBA