#Tokyo2020: Australia Beats D'Tigers in Opening Group B Game

Nigerian basketball team, D'Tigers did not get their type of victorious opening basketball game against the Boomers of Australia as they would have desired.

D'Tigers Obi Emegano

The game started on a wonderful note for the African team after it leveled both teams at the end of the first quarter, 23-23. Obi Emegano was the star of the first quarter by getting 3 consecutive 3 pointers ensuring it ended all square.

It went all wrong for the D'Tigers when they trailed the start of the third quarter at 6 points. The Boomers capitalized on the turnovers and missed free shots by D'Tigers. Nigeria's Jordan Nwora gradually found his feet in the game as he got his tally to 10 points in the third quarter but that did not change the scoreline as the quarter ended 58-52 in favor of Australia and the game ended in 84-67 against Nigeria who seemed to be no match for their European counterpart.

D'Tigers will look back at the 13 missed free throws which were key in losing the game.

READ MORE: NIGERIA BASKETBALL TEAMS NAME FINAL LIST FOR OLYMPICS

Meanwhile, in the other Group B game between Italy and Germany, which was played before Australia versus Nigeria, the Italians came out victorious with a 92-82 win over the Germans. This means Nigeria plays Germany next on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. A win for the Italians will guarantee a place in the quarter-final and probably the end of the road for Nigeria.