BANGKOK (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Ding Yuan scored 11 of her game-high 17 points in the third quarter as China fought back a first half deficit to beat African champions Mali 86-60 in Group D on Thursday.
Coach Li Yaguang used all the 12 players in his list, and 11 of them entered their names in the scorers' as China almost assured themselves of a place in the second round.
Mali began well, led through out the first half and went into the changing rooms 35-31 ahead. Only to see China stage a successful rally.
Aminata Mariko's 16 points was the highest for Mali, but she scored 13 of them in the first half.
Laoudy Maiga fought valiantly for Mali with her 14 points, but against an all-round Chinese attack her attempt fell short.
Li Xinyi chipped in with 12 points for China.
FIBA