Basketball in Africa

Nigeria complete the dominance of FIBA Africa Zone-3 with a 75-65 points win over second place Cote d’Ivoire in an exciting game of the elimination series.

The nigerian side roar to a 20-08 points win in the first quarter but the Ivories stood their groub in the second quarter ending the quarter with a 19 points apiece for a half-time scores of 39-27 points.

Nigeria enter the third quarter determine to had a double over Cote d’Ivoire posting a 22-15 points victory to go into the last quarter with a 19 points advantage of 61-42 points.

Determined not to go down easily Cote d’Ivoire charged back in the fourth quarter but their effort could only yield an 18-14 points win to lose by 10 points of 75-65 points.

Nigeria end the elimination series with a 5-1 record while second placed Cote d’Ivoire a 4-2 record and a 10th All Africa Games ticket.

Nigeria captain, Stanley Gumut led his teammate with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Abubakar Usman contributed 16 points and 4 rebounds, Azuoma Dike added 10 points with Onyeka Ekpete grabbing 10 rebounds and 9 points.

Cote d’Ivoire versatile point guard Bohui Gbotto led the floor with 25 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Alpha Yaya Outtara added 15 points and 8 rebounds with Stephane Kokoun grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 9 points.