D’Tigress lose to US in friendly ahead of Tokyo Olympics

D’Tigress were outclassed 93-62 by the US women’s basketball team in an exhibition game ahead of Tokyo Olympics. 

The game, played on Sunday in Las Vegas, saw the Nigerians completely overwhelmed by a US team returning from two consecutive friendly defeats.

D’Tigress were outscored by the rampaging Americans in all four quarters of the game, with a 21-point deficit already established by halftime after losing first quarter 29-15.

Otis Hughley’s decision to name the starting-five of Ify Ibekwe, Ezinne Kalu, Adaora Eleonu, Elizabeth Williams, and Atonye Nyingifa bore little fruits.

No Nigerian player scored double figures, with the team making just 30.6% of its field goal attempts.

Nyingifa led Nigeria with nine points, while Elizabeth Williams scored four points.

Team US was led by Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird who scored 14 and 9 points respectively.

D’Tigress’ roster for the Olympics isn’t sorted as the team awaits FIBA’s decision on naturalization of Ogwumike sisters — Nneka and Chiney.

Nigeria will be hoping for a far better result when they face the Americans in their first game at the Olympics on July 27.