Afrobasket 2013: Senegal Edges Out Nigeria.

Nigeria’s D’Tigers’ dream of a first continental basketball championship title was brought to an abrupt end by Senegal as ‘The Lions’ bundled coach Ayo Bakare-led national men basketball team out of the quarter-final of the ongoing Afrobasket.

Senegal Ends Nigeria's Afrobasket 2013 Campaign.
Senegal Ends Nigeria’s Afrobasket 2013 Campaign.

They defeated Nigeria 64-63, Ike Diogu’s 14 points and 10 rebounds couldn’t propel D’Tigers to the semi-final.

Nigeria got off well in the Wednesday night’s encounter in Treichville and grabbed a 16-25 lead ten minutes into the game.

Senegal overturned the whole affairs in the second quarter, closed down their perimeters and held Nigeria to 12 points in the stanza. They maintained a 37-35 lead at half-time.

Senegal extended their lead within 6 points of D’Tigers’ grasp in the third quarter with scores settled at 55-49 getting into the final frame.

With just over three minutes remaining, Nigeria mustered an 11-1 run to get ahead 62-63 but Thomas scored a jumper to give Senegal a 64-63 lead with just over two minutes left to the dead as D’Tigers couldn’t fight back.

Stanley Okoye and Ben Uzoh missed their attempt and allowed their opponent claim the surprise victory.

Mamadou Ndoye provided 13 points to lead the winners. Mouhammad Faye managed 12 points, while Maleye N’Doye added 10 points for Senegal.

Uzoh made 12 points for Nigeria.