Panzera hauls Italy out of trouble, Mali mark arrival with first victory

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - Italy avoided a second loss in as many days at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup after coming from behind to deny Egypt in an overtime thriller as part of Sunday's action.

It was the African side who had led for the majority of the fourth until Ilaria Panzera hit a triple with 6.8 seconds remaining to put Italy ahead. Egypt responded to force an extra period from the foul line, but Panzera hit five points in quick succession in overtime to help seal an 81-73 triumph.

"I wasn't shooting very well [until then] so this was very important for me and my team," commented Panzera, who finished with 16 points. "It was a very hard game, but we bounced back. Yesterday's loss was very bad so this game was important for us emotionally and we have to keep fighting and keep pushing."

Mali shrugged off any rust in their first action of the tournament - having forfeited their opening game - as they secured a 67-57 win against Japan. Sika Kone led the way with a stellar 24 points and 19 rebounds with Aminata Sangare adding 15 points as they used a 23-7 third period to surge ahead.

"We had extra motivation to do well today," said Sangare. "From the first seconds of the game we were aggressive on the court. We had good communication and our defense was strong - we are really happy with the result."

Meanwhile, Russia made it two wins from two as Anastasia Kosu posted an impressive 20 points and 20 rebounds in their 70-56 success against the hosts, Hungary. The 16-year-old was a perfect 10-of-10 in free throw attempts, helping her side pull clear as they won the final quarter 22-12 to prevail.

France and Spain will meet on Tuesday to decide top spot in Group C as they both continued their strong starts. Louise Bussiere posted 20 points along with 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in a 92-35 win against Korea, while Spain put on a defensive clinic as they ran out 83-22 winners over Brazil - keeping their opponents to 21-percent shooting.

The United States also continued their unbeaten start as they defeated Australia 99-59 in a repeat of the 2019 Final with Caitlin Clark leading the way with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and Lauren Betts adding 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Shayeann Day-Wilson poured in 31 points to lead Canada past Czech Republic in a 79-71 victory to leave all four sides in Group D with one win apiece, while Argentina also picked up their first win after beating Chinese Taipei 65-56.

FIBA