D’Tigers begin FIBA World Cup campaign with defeat to Russia

Nigeria men’s basketball team, D’Tigers bounced off their campaign at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China with a disappointing loss to Russia.

The Alex Nwora side did put up a brave fight in the encounter but fell 82-77 to the Europeans, who won the first and the final quarters to add to their advantage.

Josh Okogie emerged as the top scorer with 18 points for D’Tigers, although his efforts were not enough to hand his side a win in the opening game of Group B.

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D’Tigers started off well as they raced to a 4-0 lead before the Russians bounced back and went on to win the first quarter 18-13.

Both sides battled equally in the second quarter and garnered 22 points apiece, before Nigeria took the third quarter 23-18 to level, and scare their opponents.

The final quarter was a thrilling encounter as the game was controlled by either team per time. With four minutes left, D’Tigers led Russia by 71-68.

The Russians rallied back to level at 75-75 with less than a minute left, before prevailing 82-77 to win the game.

D’Tigers will face Argentina in their next Group B match on Monday, to stand a chance of progressing.

Their last group game is against Korea on Wednesday.

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