MEN’S BASKETBALL: Diogu, Ameh star in Nigeria’s 80-89 defeat to Lithuania

Diogu and Ameh dropped 36 points as Nigeria’s D’Tigers lost 80-89 to Lithuania in a keenly contested men’s Basketball event of Rio 2016.

While Lithiania came into the game full of confidence following their 82-76 match victory over the hosts Brazil in their first game, Nigeria came into the game looking to bounce back from their game 1 defeat.

The African champions pushed the world number 3 to the limit with Diogu dropping 19 and Ameh 17 but the experienced European side managed to secure the vital win.

D’Tigers, who are without injured Shane Lawal and Al Farouq Aminu who didn’t make the Rio 2016 squad started brilliantly in the opening minutes of the game with Ike Diogu hitting the first bucket of the game.

Ben Uzoh, Ibekwe and Ebi Ere all hit shots as Nigeria won the first quarter 16-13.

At the end of the second quarter, captain of the side Ike Diogu recorded 11 points, Alade Aminu scored six points while Umeh had eight points as the Nigerians led 41-36 at half-time.

In the third quarter, Lithuania bounced back from their sloppy start and went 16 points clear to lead 65-54.

Despite a late fight back, Lithuania’s experience and quality saw them through the later stages of the game.

D’Tigers face Spain in their next game on Thursday.