Italians Tame D’Tigers, as Mike Brown’s Men Crash Out

Nigeria’s D’Tigers, on Saturday lost 80-71 to Italy to crash out of men’s basketball event of the Tokyo Olympics. The result against the Italians means D’Tigers lost all their three group games following earlier defeats by Australia and Germany.

The Nigerian senior men’s basketball Team needed to beat Italy with at least nine points and hope Australia defeats Germany to stand a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. The Italians took the first quarter 29-22 but D’Tigers fought back to make the scores 40-39 at half time. D’Tigers led in the 3rd quarter 61 – 64 to rekindle hope of a comeback but couldn’t hold on to the lead.

Coach Mike Brown’s side were ranked 4th team in the Olympic prior to their arrival and raised the hope of Nigerians after defeating USA and Argentina in exhibition games in Los Angeles.