Australia taste 1st win against Mali in Women's Basketball World Cup

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Hosts Australia got their first victory against Mali with a 118-58 score Friday in the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

The first period ended with a 23-12 score in favor of Australia, while they took a double-digit lead with a 56-22 score at the end of the second quarter at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena.

Australia then controlled all two phases of the clash to lead the remaining quarters, 36-23, and 26-13.

Ezi Magbegor was the highest scorer of Australia with 15 points, while Darcee Garbin, Cayla George and Sara Blicavs each scored 14 points for the Aussies.

Tess Madgen (13), Marianna Tolo (12), and Samantha Whitcomb (11) were Australia's other double-digit scorers.

Djeneba N'Diaye scored 15 points, while Kamite Elisabeth Dabou helped his team with 10 points.

Australia, who lost their opening game against France 70-57, are currently in the fourth spot in Group B.

Mali are at bottom of the standings without any victory.

- Friday's results:

Group A:

Puerto Rico - US: 42-106

Belgium - South Korea: 84-61

China - Bosnia & Herzegovina: 98-51

Group B:

Serbia - Japan: 69-64

France - Canada: 45-59

Mali - Australia: 58-118