The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is barely two days old, and already Mali has thrown out the script, snatching their first-ever victory over a European country with a stunning 82-73 win against Spain! Spain was looking like the presumptive Group A favorite after crushing Germany, but Mali totally flipped the script on that idea.
Mali Delivers The Upset, Shakes Up Group A
Sika Konè was an absolute force for Mali, dropping her fifth-straight World Cup double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Djeneba N’Diaye also brought the heat with 19 points, and Rokia Doumbia dished out nine assists, running the offense beautifully. For Spain, Awa Fam had a tough night, scoring just four points on seven shot attempts. The two Spanish players from the Portland Fire, Iyana Martín and Megan Gustafson DiLeo, were the bright spots, with Martín leading all scorers with 20 points, plus five boards and four assists, and Gustafson DiLeo adding 16 points. But it wasn’t enough to stop Mali’s historic run.
Chaos Reigns As Germany Defends Home Court
Just when you thought Group A might settle down, nope! Mali’s win and their close loss to Japan, combined with Spain’s earlier blowout of Germany, suggested Japan would roll over the host nation next. But Germany wasn’t having it! They dug deep and defended their home turf, prevailing 74-58 over Japan. Frieda Bühner, another player from the Portland Fire, arguably had her best-ever game for Germany, leading the team with 19 points. Nyara Sabally tallied 18 points and nine rebounds, while Leonie Fiebich, despite only scoring five points, grabbed nine boards and a team-high seven assists. Japan, after making 20 threes on Friday, went ice cold from downtown, converting just three of their 27 attempts. Saki Hayashi, who hit nine triples in Japan’s record-setting performance, only took one three-pointer and missed it. Mai Yamamoto hit two of Japan’s three long bombs and finished with eight points.
Group A Standings: A Total Mess (The Good Kind)
Saturday’s results mean every single team in Group A is now 1-1 with three points. Spain is technically the unofficial group leader thanks to a +21 point differential, followed by Mali at +4. Japan and Germany round out the standings. The unpredictability of just two days of play is insane, and it promises even more shifts in those standings. And get this: Group B is following the same wild path! After getting crushed by France in their opener, Hungary bounced back big time, defeating Nigeria 71-67, surviving a late push. Dorka Juhász, after an underwhelming first game, reasserted her star power for Hungary with a 19-point and 16-rebound double-double. Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 17 points, including three threes. Hungary’s victory hinted France would cruise against South Korea, but the Koreans put 31 points on the French. What’s next for Group A and B? Who knows! This World Cup is already delivering pure chaos, and we are absolutely here for it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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