D’Tigers suffer defeat against New Zealand at Commonwealth Games

Nigeria’s male basketball team, D’Tigers, yesterday fell to New Zealand 65 points to 110 in their first game at the on-going Commonwealth Games in Australia.

New Zealand dominated and won all the quarters on a night that the Ike Diogu captained side will want to forget in a hurry. The Nigerians will now focus on the next game against North American side, Canada today.

After a close game in the first and second quarters, which ended 24-15 and 26-20 points respectively in favour of New Zealand, D’Tigers could not cope with the firepower of the team currently ranked 38 in the latest FIBA ranking in the third quarter as they widened the margin with a 31-8 scoreline before sealing the victory with another 29-22points scoreline.

Kano Pillars star man, Dike Azouma was the highest scorer for the team on the night scoring 15 points (with an 80% percent success from the three point line), three rebounds and one assist while ever reliable Diogu scored 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Making his national team debut, homeboy, Istfanus Yakubu scored 10points with just about 14minutes on the floor with the technical crew giving all the players bar Musa Usman a taste of action in the opening game.