D’Tigress beat Argentina for 2nd world cup win, set up quarterfinal qualification game against Greece

Nigeria’s women basketball national team, D’Tigress have secured their second ever win at the world cup with a hard-fought 75-70 win against Argentina at the San Cristobal de la Laguna on Tuesday.

After suffering a heavy 86-68 loss in their first game against Australia, the African champions have now won their last two games, 74-68, 75-70 against Turkey and Argentina to finish second in group B behind Australia with 5 points.

Argentina played their best game of the tournament, even having a lead in the fourth quarter, but Nigeria just switched through gears over the last five minutes, lifting their defensive effort up a bit, keeping the South American squad behind them.

Promise Amukamara had a team-high 16 points, Aisha Mohammed and Ezinne Kalu with 12 apiece; Melisa Gretter scored a game-high 21 points for Argentina.

It was a tough clash for D’Tigress but they did enough to take the win that ensured their place in the quarterfinal qualification where they will play Greece who finished third in group A.

The winner of the clash will play the tournament favourites and defending champions, the USA in the quarterfinal.

“It feels good off the back of making history with our first win against Turkey to have now followed it up by beating Argentina. We’re working hard and staying focused. It is exciting for us making more and more history with a team that is very closely bonded together ad we want to continue on this journey for longer.” Nigeria guard, Ezinne Kalu

“These players have got resolve and I have got no idea where they are digging that out from to win another close game. They have no reference point at this kind of level to have taken it from. That was unbelievable and there is no coaching at this point with this team. These kids of mine just went out, played hard and made plays again when they needed to.” Nigeria Coach, Otis Hughley Jr.