Rebounds were another area in which Nigeria controlled the game, outrebounding the Croatians 47-26.
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Nigeria led most of the game, initially on the back of its point guard, Michael Umeh, who finished with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, all from the arc. Former NBA player Ike Diogu was one of the biggest contributors for Nigeria, crashing the glass for a game-high 12 boards.
With this victory, D’Tigers improved their record to 1-3 to maintain a slim chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Brazil was leading at the end of the first quarter 16-15, but Nigeria mounted an unstoppable attack and was out front by halftime with 42 points to the South Americans’ 31.
A loss would have eliminated the Brazilians.
Brazil, 2-3, awaits the outcome of the final Group B games later in the day to see whether it is through to the quarter-finals. Brazil allowed 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 40.5 percent shooting from deep. Brazil’s only victory this tournament was a one-point win over Spain.
D’Tigers came into the third quarter determined to cut shot the lead – and that they did – as they made 21 points as against Brazil’s 17, ending the quarter 52-59. Brazil has enough to win this game if it brings the energy.
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Croatia’s Miro Bilan, left, shoots over Lithuania’s Jonas Valanciunas, right, during a basketball game at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.
