Nigeria Beats Fourth Ranked Argentina In Exhibition Basketball Game
After achieving a first-ever win over the USA, Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, continued its preparation for the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a dominating 94-71 victory against fourth ranked Argentina in an exhibition basketball game at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
D’Tigers coach Mike Brown started Josh Okogie, Ike Nwamu, with Nnamdi (Gabe) Vincent, Chikezie Okpala, and Precious Achiuwa from the Miami Heat.
Both teams were physical in their approach but it was the Argentines who led 19-17 at the end of the first quarter. D’Tigers came out firing in the second quarter, outscoring the South Americans 26-14 to take a 10-point lead into halftime 43-33.
At the start of the second quarter, Ekpe Udoh had a block before going on to score the first points of the quarter, while Precious Achiuwa had the highest rebounds in the second quarter.
Jahil Okafor, who missed out on the team’s win over the United States on Sunday, scored eight points and five rebounds at half time. He finished the game with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Nicolás Laprovíttola led the Argentines in scoring in the first half with eight points. However, D’Tigers consolidated their effort in the final quarter finishing the game 94-71.
The result and performance from the team will leave head coach Mike Brown with a selection headache as he is expected to name his final 12-man roster July 17 before the team depart for Tokyo.
The last time Nigeria met Argentina was at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China which the Argentines won 94-81. D’Tigers have improved since the last time they met the Argentines asCoach Mike Brown has taken the team to new heights.
D’Tigers’ first match in Tokyo will be against the Australians, whom they play in their last warm-up match on Tuesday. Nigeria are in Group B along with Australia, Italy and Germany and play their opening game against Australia on July 25 at the Saitama Super Arena.
Chidi Nwoke/D’Tigers/NBBF.
