Nigeria’s D’Tigers fell to their third defeat in a row to host Australia 55-97 at the basketball event of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Angus Brandt led the way for the host scoring 16 points and 6 rebounds,while Jason Cadee, Brad Newly and Daniel Kickert all scored 12 points each and Lucas Walker added 11 points.
Australia gave the African side no chance as they dominated all through the game. Nigeria could only put up a fight in the first quarter (23-17) but couldn’t keep up the momentum in the second quarter committing 6 turn overs heading to the break with a 21 point-deficit (48-27).
Ike Diogu yet again showed his leadership role, finished with 15 points , 3 of 7 from the arc and 4/4 from the line. Diogu added just 4 more points in the second half with 6 rebounds to go with it ( 19 points, 6 rebounds). The only Nigerian player to finish the game on double points.
It got worse for the 2015 Afrobasket champions early in the last quarter with a 13-0 run from the Australians. D’Tigers committed more turn overs (20) and gave out 30 points from it. The bench also proved ineffective contributing just 16 against 51 points scored from the bench by Australia.
Despite the loss to Australia and winless in three games, Nigeria will play in the qualifying round against winner or runner up in Group B for another chance to win a medal
