2025 AfroBasket: Mali became the first Semifinalist

Ivory Coast - Mali 96-102 OT

Mali became the first Semifinalist at the 2025 AfroBasket. They needed a 102-96 overtime against Ivory Coast to advance to the next stage.
Mali grabbed a narrow 28-27 lead at the start, whilst Ivory Coast erupted with a massive 27-14 surge in the second frame. Mali needed a 29-15 burst in the third quarter and then posted 12-6 run in overtime.
Aliou Diarra (200-F-2001) stepped up with 35 points, Mahamane Coulibaly (206-C-2001) notched 24 and Mamoudou Diarra (206-F-1997, college: Tenn Tech) had 14. Matt Costello (208-C/F-1993, college: Michigan St.) replied with 21 points in a loss, whilst Solo Diabate (183-PG-1987, agency: Interperformances) notched 16.