Nigeria’s men basketball team D’Tigers got their first victory in Rio as they outclassed Croatia 90-76.
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The reigning AfroBasket champions had lost 96-66 to Argentina, to Lithuania 89-80 and 96-87 to Spain.
It was pleasing to see the Nigerian team led in all quarters of the match against Croatia and it would be more pleasing to see that momentum sustained against Brazil on Monday night.
The statistics show the problem for the Croatian team: Nigeria had 45 rebounds, while Croats had 34.
Shooting from all cylinders, Michael Umeh hit 5-of-8 three-pointers for 16 points first half points. By virtue of their head-to-head win against Croatia, just the second ever for Nigeria in Olympic play, they would advance to the knockout phase if they end group play tied with Dario Saric and Co.
Nigeria (1-3) trailed by seven after the first quarter, but led by14 after the third quarter and held on for the win in its fourth of five preliminary round games.
In the second half, Croatia made a decision to ride Bogdanovic and he got his team within three points midway in the fourth, but poor defense, including some by the Nets shooting guard, hurt them late.
They will be facing their counterparts from Brazil on Monday, August 15 and could make history by winning the game.
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Croatia’s Krunoslav Simon, left, picks up a loose ball in front of Nigeria’s Josh Akognon during a basketball game at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016.
