Nigeria’s D’Tigers on Monday crashed out of the ongoing Rio Olympics men basketball event, losing 69-86 to hosts Brazil.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team showed some
signs of exploit in the early minutes of the game but succumbed and
never regained its focus from the second quarter of the game.
Alade Aminu, Ike Diogu, Uzoh Ben, Chamberlin Oguchi were all at their
best as Nigeria dominated proceedings in the first quarter, having led
16-15.
The tide turned around in the second quarter when D’Tigers were
forced to commit some fouls, leading to free throws which the Brazilians
converted.
Brazilian point guard Raulzinho Neto, kept D’Tigers on check as the
hosts made 18 turnovers against Nigeria’s 11 to rally to a 42-31 lead at
the end of the second quarter.
D’Tigers came close to stealing the show in the third quarter but the
combination of Chicago Bulls Felicio Cristiano and Houston Rockets
forward Nene, ensured the Nigerians did not get more opportunities to
shoot from the centre.
The third quarter, however, ended 59-52 in favour of the hosts.
The Brazilians continued their dominance and produced 10 steals against Nigeria’s three to end the last quarter 86-69.
The defeat ensured D’Tigers had no chance of progressing in the
Olympics after raising the hopes of Nigerians with a stunning 90-76
defeat against Croatia.
The defeat of Croatia was Nigeria’s first win of the Olympics
basketball event after a string of disappointing defeats to Argentina,
Lithuania and Spain in their first, second and third games. (NAN)
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