D’Tigress Stun Australia For First Olympic Win In 20 Years
D’Tigress of Nigeria have beaten the Opals of Australia 75-62 […]
D’Tigress of Nigeria have beaten the Opals of Australia 75-62 in women’s basketball at the Paris Olympics.
Point guard Ezinne Kalu led the Rena Wakama-led squad to victory on Monday at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, holding off a late Australian charge thanks to a clutch performance.
The victory was Nigeria’s first at the Games since Athens 2004.
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Kalu finished the game with 19 points and five rebounds helping Nigeria to a memorable win over the third-best team in the world.
Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor led the early onslaught as the Opals raced to a 13-5 lead.
However, D’Tigress, playing their second successive Summer Games, responded with a magnificent Kalu leading their lines.
Due in large part to Kalu’s 11 points, which included three three-pointers, they led 18–17 at the end of the first quarter.
The final quarter proved to be a nervy affair. With just over six minutes left on the clock, the Opals trailed by just two before a disastrous spell of play transpired for them.
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Smith, who had been excellent for her team, missed two free throws before Promise Amukamara converted both of hers for Nigeria. Promise then set up Okonkwo for a three-pointer which saw the reigning four-time African champions go seven points clear.
The lead allowed Nigeria to dictate the play and wrap up the match comfortably.
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The D’Tigress will face host France in their next Group B match on Thursday before a showdown against world number 5, Canada next Monday.