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VIDNOJE (FIBA U21 World Championship for Women) - Belgium brushed aside Mali 91-66 to finish off the first day's play at FIBA U21 World Championship for Women in the Moscow Region.

Sara Leemans scored 13 of her team-high 19 points in the first half to lead the Europeans to victory.

Mali gave as good as they got for the opening eight minutes of the game with Mama Traore's tap-in tying the game at 15-15.

Ellen Lauwers then sparked a 10-0 surge for Belgium with a lay-up, and the Africans got no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

The Belgians were in total control at half-time at 47-32, and the demolition was well and truly underway by the end of the third quarter when they held a 73-49 advantage.

Mali out-rebounded Belgium 44-37, but were woeful shooting ball all over the floor.

They were 23 of 62 (37.1%) from the floor, including 19 of 47 (40.4%) inside the arc.

Even at the free throw line, the African team suffered, converting just 16 of 32 (50%) attempts.

Belgium were 33 of 75 (44%) from the floor, including 28 of 52 (53.8%) from two-point range.

The European team also struggled at the stripe, making just 20 of 34 (58.8%).

FIBA