Mali Women NT held off Spain Women NT 82–73 in a back-and-forth Group A contest that turned decisively in the third quarter. The teams traded leads through the opening half — Spain led by as many as 7 late in the second quarter, but Mali answered with an 8–0 run midway through the first to seize early control. At halftime, Mali held a narrow 32–34 deficit. The third quarter proved decisive: Mali outscored Spain 31–19 to build a commanding 16–point lead at 71–55 with 6:42 remaining in the fourth. Spain mounted a late rally in the final quarter but could not close the gap, scoring 20 points to Mali's 19 down the stretch. Sika Kone anchored Mali's offense with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds on efficient shooting (7/9 FG, 3/4 from three, 2/2 FT). Djeneba N'Diaye added 19 points on 6/11 shooting with four made threes, while Alima Dembele orchestrated the floor with 11 points and 4 assists. Iyana Martin led Spain with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, but Megan Gustafson's 16 points on 7/15 shooting could not compensate for Mali's third–quarter onslaught. Mali travel to face Germany Women NT on Monday 7 September in their next Group A outing.