AfroBasket 2015: D’Tigers beat Gabon; qualify for s/finals

Nigeria became the first team to reach the AfroBasket 2015 Semi-Finals after trouncing Gabon 88-64 on Thursday in Rades, Tunisia.

Al-Farouq Aminu, Michael Umeh and Michael Gbinije combined for 43 Nigeria points as Will Voigt’s men controlled most of the contest.

A day after performing one of the biggest upsets in the tournament so far by eliminating Cape Verde, Gabon seemed powerless to oppose Nigeria’s determination to make the last four in the tournament.

Aymar-Kabrel Boundou, Therence Mayimba and Stephan Lasme, the only Gabonese to score in double digits, combined for 45 points, but they were unable to avoid elimination.

They will resume their AfroBasket 2015 campaign in the Classification Games.

As a result of the win, Nigeria reached the Semi-Finals of the African Championship for the second time since 2011.

The Western African will face the winner of the Quarter-Finals between Senegal and Algeria.

Turning Point: Nigeria closed the first quarter with a 12-point lead and Gabon never posed a threat to Nigeria.

Stats Don’t Lie: Nigeria’s excellent ball movement, which resulted in 23 assists as opposed to Gabon’s modest attack plan made tremendous difference. The Nigerians led by as many as 41 points and never trailed.

Game Hero: Just the way he did in the Round of 16, Mayimba came off the bench to lead Gabon with a team-high 21 points.

The Bottom Line: Nigeria’s dream of winning their first-ever African title remains alive as they displayed clear superiority at all aspects of the game.

Gabon, on the other hand, never gave up, and will return home with at least one victory.