Written by: Fiba.basketball
LAS VEGAS (USA) – The men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo Olympics is shaping up to be among the most competitive in recent memory if friendly wins for Nigeria and Australia over the USA are anything to go by.
Nigeria, who played at the last two Olympics and suffered a historic 156-73 beatdown to the USA in the 2012 London Games (the 156 were the most points scored by any team in Olympic history), beat the Americans in Las Vegas on Saturday, 90-87.
On Tuesday evening, Australia came from behind at halftime to win 90-87.
The games were only warmups, yet they were still important, especially for Nigeria.
“It’s a good win for us,” Nigeria coach Mike Brown said. “I don’t think any African team has been able to beat USA Basketball in an exhibition game or a real game. To try and get a little momentum … for Nigeria, for the continent of Africa because we feel like we represent more than just Nigeria, and really for all the black people around the world to get that win and show we can be was a big moment for us.”
Gabe Vincent exploded for 21 points. He drilled six of his eight attempts from three-point range. Nigeria out-rebounded the USA, too, 46-34.
Continue reading here: Tokyo field promises to be a dogfight after USA fall to Nigeria and Australia
