POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Final
Senegal - Nigeria 60:46
Senegal revenged for the only loss in All-Africa Games they suffered in the third round of the competition and handled Nigeria in the title decider. Nigeria entered the game with a perfect record and hoped to extend it but Senegal were full of their own ambitions.
Nigeria had a slight advantage in the first quarter and outscored Senegal 15:13. But it never threatened Senegalese team and they punched back in the second frame. Senegal speeded up their offense and left Nigeria behind 37:28 at halftime.
Both teams tried not to make mistakes in the third quarter which resulted in a slow pace and defence dominating on the court. Nigeria took a a narrow edge 9:8 in the quarter but still trailed. Nigeria needed a strong performance in the fourth frame to revive the intrigue however Diodio Diouf (170-G-84) and J Senghore paced Senegal and maintained the lead. Nigeria never managed to get close enough for a strike and surrendered the title.
J Senghore led Senegal with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Diodio Diouf nailed 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the winners. Abolanle Sanni had 15 points and 8 rebounds for Nigeria. Joyce Ekworomadu (175-G/F-86) added 12 points in defeat.
Nigeria outrebounded the champions 40:38, but struggled from the field. They converted 32% of field goals, while Senegalese players shot 40%.
Senegal: J Senghore 13 points, Diodio Diouf 12
Nigeria: Abolanle Sanni 15, Joyce Ekworomadu 12.
