By Sharon Ekhiwere
The Nigeria D’Tigers extended their long-term dominance over Mali on Sunday afternoon as they won against their West African counterparts 62-56 to extend their record over Mali to 8-0.
The African-based D’Tigers team started with great dominance in the game as they won the first quarter 20-9. The Malians tried to reduce the deficit in the second quarter but could only do it by 2 points as it ended 13-10 in their favour.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu’s boys won the third quarter 18-17 and then went on to manage the fourth quarter but fell short by 3 points as Mali won 17-14.
The standout performer for the D’Tigers is the 24-year-old Point Guard, Michael Afuwape who scored 16 points, 5 Rebounds and 5 assists in the game. Michael Afuwape plays for Elan Coton of Benin Republic. Chinedu Martins, a 23-year-old who is a Club teammate of Michael Afuwape also made 15 points, 8 Rebounds and 2 assists.
The rebounding leader of the game is Victor Anthony of Rivers Hoopers, who scored 12 rebounds and supported with 5 assists.
The Current highest ranked basketball team in Africa who received a wildcard to take part in the competition, needs to defeat host, Angola on Monday in their second group stage game to advance to the next round of the competition. The second group stage match will kick off at 6 pm.