Nigeria’s D’Tigress on Friday suffered an 81-99 defeat to South Korea at the FIBA Women’s World Cup despite a spirited fightback led by Amy Okonkwo.
The game was closely contested in the opening quarter, with South Korea taking a 26-22 lead into the second period.
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Grace Efosa converted both free throws to reduce Nigeria’s deficit to six points before Pallas Kunaiyi brought the margin down to four points.
South Korea stretched its advantage to as many as nine points in the second quarter, but Nigeria fought back strongly to go into the break trailing by just three points.
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South Korea led 48-45 at halftime in Berlin.
Okonkwo then produced a remarkable scoring burst, making 10 points in a row to bring Nigeria within one point of South Korea.
Her effort reduced the deficit to 59-58 as D’Tigress continued to push the Koreans.
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However, Nigeria could not maintain the momentum and eventually lost 81-99, with the Koreans’ offensive firepower proving decisive.
Okonkwo finished as Nigeria’s top scorer with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 30:06 minutes.
Musa recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing a team-high 12 rebounds in 20:01 minutes.
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Ezinne Kalu contributed 11 points, two rebounds and a team-high five assists in 28:48 minutes, while Victoria Macaulay added 10 points in just under 16 minutes off the bench.
Promise Amukamara finished with five points, two rebounds and four assists, while playing a team-high 28:51 minutes.
Despite Nigeria’s determined fightback, D’Tigress were unable to match South Korea’s offensive output as the Koreans secured an 18-point victory.
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