After US Defeat, Nigeria Smashes Argentina’s Basketball Team

Nigeria’s male basketball team followed up its victory over the United States with another strong performance. Both teams were physical, but it was Argentina, ranked fourth, who led 19-17 at the end of the first quarter.

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The D’Tigers came out firing in the second quarter, outscoring the South Americans 26-14 to lead by ten points at halftime, 43-33. The match served as a warm-up for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020. On Monday, an exhibition match was held in Las Vegas. Nigeria improved to 2-0 in the pre-Olympic exhibition season with a 94-71 victory over Argentina on Monday, led by Jahlil Okafor’s 15 points and Precious Achiuwa’s 12. Nigeria defeated the United States 90-87 on Saturday night, with Josh Okogie and Chimezie Metu each scoring ten points. The Nigerians won despite the absence of Okafor, who had only recently joined the team and was not immediately pressed into action by coach Mike Brown. Okafor was more than ready on Monday, shooting 7 for 8 from the field and grabbing seven rebounds in 14 1/2 minutes. Argentina was led by Leandro Bolmoro, who had 10 points, and Luis Scola, who had nine. Both teams play again on Tuesday, with Nigeria taking on Australia and Argentina taking on the United States.

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