Mali's Second Quarter Collapse & Poor Shooting Dooms them Against Italy

Mali's Second Quarter Collapse & Poor Shooting Dooms them Against Italy, 85-51

In stark contrast to their historic 2014 victory over Italy, in which Mali became the first African nation to defeat a European country, the Mali U17 women's basketball team could not replicate that feat in the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024. They suffered a heavy 85-51 loss to Italy.

Mali began the game strong, recovering from an early 9-4 deficit to tie the game at 14 with just 40 seconds left in the first quarter. They even took a slim lead, finishing the quarter ahead 16-14. However, the second quarter proved disastrous for Mali.

Giovanni Lucchesi's Italian squad intensified their defence, limiting Mali to just two points while scoring 22. This dominant performance dug a hole for Mali that they could not climb.

Hatoumata Singare and Maimouna Traore provided some relief at the free-throw line in the second quarter, but it was not enough to halt Italy's momentum.

Italy continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, outscoring Mali 36-22 and extending their lead to 32 points. Italy then managed the game effectively, finishing with a 13-11 fourth quarter to secure a 34-point victory.

Emma Giacchetti led Italy with an all-around performance, scoring six points, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out eight assists, making three steals, and blocking five shots. Francesca Baldassarre added 19 points, while Isabel Hassan contributed 16 and six rebounds. Giorgia Gorini also made significant contributions with 10 points and five assists.

Mali struggled offensively, shooting only 45.8% from the free-throw line, 23.3% from the field, and a dismal 19.4% from the three-point line. They were also outrebounded 60-43. Despite forcing Italy into 30 turnovers, Mali's poor shooting and second-quarter collapse overshadowed their defensive efforts.

Mali's biggest scoring run was 8-0, and they only held the lead twice during the game. While Mali scored 32 points off the bench compared to Italy's 33, Italy's superior team play, reflected in their 22 assists compared to Mali's 14, was a key factor in their victory.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Couda Keita led Mali with 13 points, while Singare contributed nine points and six rebounds. Mali will face New Zealand in their final Group B clash, hoping to bounce back from this disappointing performance.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]