D’Tigers concluded their first FIBA Afrobasket on a winning note as they maintained their unbeaten run with another emphatic 91-68 points win against Mali.
Captain Ike Diogu led from the front as he powered the team to its third victory with 14 points, 5 rebounds to emerge the team’s top performer.
Although Mali won the first quarter, 16-13, they lost their way in the second quarter 26-15pts as Nigeria headed into the break with a 39-31 points lead.
It was all about the Coach Mike Brown led team when the second half resumed with the team winning the third and fourth quarter (22-20, 30-17) no thanks to some sloppy play leading to a series of turnovers which the Malians paid for dearly.
Point Guard Ike Iroegbu continued his sterling performance and consistency for the team scoring an amazing 17 points, 4 steals and 6 assists.
Obi Emegano and Keith Omoerah combined to score 23 points on a night that the team confirmed its superiority.
Despite the heroics of Ibrahim Djambo who sank 22 points and 5 rebounds, it was not enough to stop the determined D’Tigers team who had their eyes fixed on their third straight win after defeating South Sudan and host-Rwanda.
As life under the new coach continues, attention will now shift to the next set of group matches slated for February, 2021 with Nigeria sitting pretty easy atop group D.
