Olympic Pre-Qualifiers: Mali add misery to hosting Nigeria

Fousseyni Drame

Nigeria - Mali 68-77

Mali opened win count at the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers Group A. They upset Nigeria in Lagos to improve at 1-0 record, Nigeria in the meantime fell at 0-2 record. Fousseyni Drame (201-F-2000) and Hassan Drame (201-F-2000) finished with 14 points each for the visitors.
Nigeria led throughout the first half. The hosts grabbed a 17-15 lead ten minutes into the game. They established a 43-38 halftime advantage. Nigeria stayed in charge throughout the third term. They built an 8-point lead at the final break. But Mali turned the tables in the fourth frame. They ignited a massive 24-7 rally to snatch the victory. Ibrahim Djambo (209-F-1992, college: Hofstra) accounted for 12 points for Mali. Uchenna Iroegbu (183-PG-1996, college: Stony Brook, agency: Perpetual Sports) answered with game-high 26 points for Nigeria.

Tags : FOUSSEYNI DRAME, OLYMPIC GAMES BASKETBALL, MALI NATIONAL TEAM