DEBRECEN, HUNGARY (August 10, 2021) - In the final game of Group Phase at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2021, the Canadian U19 Women’s National Team fell 88-62 to Mali on Tuesday afternoon.

“Today was incredibly difficult,” said head coach Fabian McKenzie. “They out-rebounded us, out-hustled us and out-worked us in every category and made things very difficult for us.” 

Kamite Elisabeth Dabou (18 points, 4 rebounds) and Sika Kone (14 points, 11 rebounds) of Mali helped lead the Canadians the entire 40 minutes. 

“We struggled turning the ball over and getting into a rhythm,” said McKenzie on the 32 points Canada gave up off turnovers. 

Yvonne Ejim had a 15 point, 6 rebound performance in the loss alongside Shayeann Day-Wilson who added 10 points and 9 assists. Lemyah Hylton (9 points) and Emma Koabel (8 points) also contributed offensively, while Tara Wallack finished with ten rebounds for Canada. 

“Today was a tough one but tomorrow we refocus for France to see if we can make it into the top eight,” said McKenzie.

Canada returns to action Wednesday in the Round of 16 where they will face France at 5:00 AM ET.

All games at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup are streamed live and free on the FIBA YouTube Channel. The FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2021 in Hungary runs until August 15th.