Basketballghana.com can report Nigeria’s National Men’s Basketball Team (D’Tigers) has lost its opening game at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The team lost 67-84 to Australia in Group B with Italy beating Germany 92-82 in the other group game; Australia was number one in the FIBA power rankings heading to the Games.
Poor shooting late on in the game from the West African nation hurt Nigerian’s chances of bagging a win against the Aussies. Australia Guard Patty Mills led all scorers with 25 points and six assists.
The contest was tied at 23 at the end of the first quarter and Nigeria trailed Australia 50-53 heading into the second half. However, a string of bad misses led to the 17 point gap.
Both countries protected the ball poorly with Australia committing 21 turnovers and Nigeria committing 24 turnovers. However, Nigeria converted 12 of 24 free throw attempts while Australia converted 17 of 19 attempts.
Australia converted 11 of 24 three point shot attempts but Nigeria could only manage a conversion rate of seven of 24 three point shot attempts.
Four players on D’Tigers roster scored in double digits with Guard Obi Emegano leading the way with 12 points.
Nigeria plays Germany next on Wednesday, July 28th.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
