AfroBasket 2015: D’Tigers overcome Senegal in overtime; to face Angola in finals

Nigeria’s basketball team, D’Tigers will now meet Angola after the southern Africa team defeated AfroBasket 2015 hosts Tunisia, 58-51, in Saturday’s second Semi-Final in Rades, Tunisia.

The win not only ended Tunisia’s five-game winning streak in the tournament, but it also spoiled their attempt to re-claim the continental trophy they first won in 2011.

The Angolans, paced by Carlos Morais, Eduardo Mingas and Yanick Moreira who combined for 48 points, led for all but 1:41 minute of the contest.

Makram Ben Romdhane paced the Tunisians with 12 points, Michael Roll added 10 but the Tunisians were unable to capitalise on the tireless support from the 12,000 strong home fans.

Angola will face Nigeria in Sunday’s Final, in a re-match of the title game at AfroBasket 2003.

The winner of the tournament will secure direct qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, while the teams that come in second, third and fourth will secure places in next year’s FIBA lympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTS).

Meanwhile, D’Tigers left it late into overtime to beat Senegal, Saturday night, to become the first team to reach the AfroBasket 2015 after an 88—79 win in Rades, Tunisia.

The win ended Senegal’s five-game winning streak in the tournament.

Nigeria’s sharpshooter Chamberlain Oguchi made 8 of his 13 three-pointers to lead all scorers with 28 points, while Gorgui Dieng, who spent the entire 45 minutes and was in foul limit, propelled Senegal with 20 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

It was a balanced game with seven lead changes.

Nigeria’s nine-point lead in the second was short-lived as Ibrahima Thomas hit a three-pointer with three seconds to give Senegal a 37-35 half-time lead.

But when Nigeria entered the final minute of the regulation leading 76-73, Dieng thought they needed extra five minutes, making a three-pointer to tie the contest at 76-76. Nigeria’s team rotation proved crucial as their bench came with a pivotal 21-point contribution. With the result Nigeria, reach the AfroBasket final for the first time since 2003.