CHN/MAL - Mali squashed by giant China

TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – As expected, China got the better of minnows Mali, beating them 103-54 to join the USA as the only unbeaten teams (3-0) after the first three days of competiton at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.

The Chinese scored the game’s first 12 points before Aminata Traore got Mali on the scoreboard with a pair of free-throws.

The underdogs, who lacked in height and size down low, did not give up even though they trailed 31-13 at the end of the first quarter and were rewarded for their efforts as the mostly local French crowd cheered every time they scored.

China didn't seem to mind and took a 57-26 lead at the end of the first half.

It was more of the same after the break, but throughout Mali showed visible signs of havig vastly improved since the start of the competition, especially on the offensive end, as their 54 total points is their most so far in any game.

Li Meng had 18 points to lead a balanced Chinese offense.

Quotes

Wang Guizhi (Chinese head coach): We didn't have the chance to face an African team before. This was a good opportunity to improve friendly relationships and foster a better understanding of each other. Since the beginning of the tournament, Mali have improved a lot. My congratulations to them. The players of both teams are still teenagers so there is room for progression.

Sidiya Oumarou (Mali head coach): We are improving little by little. Slowly but surely, we are getting into the atmosphere of this championship. Instead of giving up, the girls have been fighting and improving day after day.

FIBA/LOC