The Nigeria’s Men Basketball Team, DTigers have lost their first AfroBasket Qualifier in Tunisia after losing 82-89 to Libya.
A game which sees DTigers trailing by 16points in the first quarter managed to tie the points 75-75 before heading to overtime where they lost the match.
Few days ago, It was unclear if D’Tigers will participate in the Afrobasket Qualifier as there was lack of funds from the Government before a last minute arrangement saw them arriving in Tunisia a few hours before their opening match against Libya. With only nine players available and no form of practice, the odds were heavily stacked against D’Tigers to win the match. Libya made the most of their advantage with a 16-point lead in the first quarter which ended 25-16 in favour of the North Africans.
D’Tigers gradually get back in the game as they won the second quarter 19-15 with the Libyans still maintaining a healthy lead going into half time. The North Africans extended their lead as they won the third quarter 20-15 and while it looked like a lost cause for Nigeria, D’Tigers clawed their way back winning the last quarter 25-15.
With the game tied at 75-75 after regulation time, the game extended into extra time. It was in the extra time Libya out muscled D’Tigers; winning it 14-7 and taking the game 89-82 after overtime.
