ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - FIBA U18 AfroBasket defending champions Mali extended their winning streak on Friday with a dominant performance over Gabon.
The Malians continued their hot streak, beating Gabon 113-37, overtaking Cote d’Ivoire for the highest single-game team score and winning margin thus far in this year’s tournament.
It was a Mohamed Keita show at Palais des Sports de Treichville as he proved unstoppable in transition, with the guard pouring in a game-high 28 points and handing out 5 assists in just 26 minutes.
Double-double machine Abdoul Karim Diallo had 14 points and 15 rebounds, Sekou Bagayoko added 17 points in 18 minutes while Ibourahima Coulibaly contributed 18 points off the bench in a show of might.
Now with a 2-0 record following their Game Day-1 win over Morocco, Mali, who have proved too strong for Group B opposition, moved a step closer to reach the Last Eight with a game to play against Madagascar on Sunday.
On the other hand, Gabon dropped to 0-2 following their narrow loss to Madagascar on Wednesday, the opening day of Group B.
Group B action concludes Sunday with Mali taking on Madagascar, while Gabon will seek their first win of the tournament against Morocco.
FIBA