AfroBasket 2021: Nigeria beat Mali to defend the title

Victoria Macaulay

Nigeria - Mali 70-59

Nigeria earned the third consecutive AfroBasket title. They toppled Mali in the championship in Yaounde tonight to claim the trophy. Victoria Macaulay (193-F/C-90, college: Temple) finished with 15 points to lead the charge.
Nigeria got to a quick start. They dropped 22 points in the first period to take an 11-point lead. Mali narrowed the gap in the second frame. They pulled within 7 points at the big break 24-31. Nigeria picked up the tempo in the third term. They unloaded 28 points in the period to record a comfortable 21-point lead at the final break. Mali put together a fierce rally in the fourth term but could not recover as Nigeria marched to the trophy. Ify Ibekwe (187-PF-89, college: Arizona) notched 13 points and 10 rebounds for the champions. Mariam Coulibaly (192-C-97) answered with 13 points for Mali. Sika Kone (190-F/C-02) had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the defeat.

Tags : VICTORIA MACAULAY, TURKISH BASKETBALL, NIGERIAN NATIONAL TEAM