BEL/MLI - Brave Mali can't stop in-form Belgium

TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - There was little Mali could do little to stop an impressive Belgium side that recorded an 80-27 win at the Palais des Sports.

Emma Meesseman finished with 16 points and nine rebounds to lead the Belgians.

The MVP at last year’s U16 European Championship, Meesseman opened the scoring before Sadio Konate swished a three-pointer to edge Mali in front 5-4.

However, Oumarou Sidiya’s girls then turned the ball over several times and their opponents made the most of those errors to account for the last 12 points of the first quarter and lead 16-5.

A scoring drought ensued early in the second period, due in part to good defense played by both teams. Belgium rediscovered their touch and kept their defense airtight to extend their advantage to 32-7 by halftime.

And they would keep that momentum going in the third quarter, going on a 28-0 run to really blow the game wide open.

Mali would find some firepower of their own late in the third period and in the final frame, much to the delight of the onlookers, but by then the game’s outcome had already been decided.

Quotes

Daniel Goethals (Belgium head coach): We developed a friendship with Mali in our preparations for this game. I noticed they have improved a lot in a short period of time. As far as we're concerned, we're not in a rhythm, but the group is technically and mentally strong and are intelligent enough to know they will need to play better against teams like Spain and Australia.

Oumarou Sidiya (Mali head coach): We came here to learn, the girls are still young. We came here in France one month ago for our preparations. For us the score is actually a progression. Belgium is technically and physically superior and I congratulate them.

FIBA/LOC