Germany defeat Nigeria despite 33 from Nwora / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The second round of the Tokyo Olympic Basketball Tournament kicked off with a Group B matchup between Germany (1-1) and Nigeria (0-2). After a great fourth quarter, Germany earned their first victory 99-92 (24-21, 26-29, 24-24, 25-18).

Player of the Game EFF 21 Johannes Voigtmann Points 19 Accuracy 7-11 Rebounds 7 Assists 1

Nigeria's Jordan Nwora was spectacular, scoring 33 points (6/8 2PT, 7/12 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 35 PIR. However, his performance wasn't enough to overcome a team effort by Germany.

Both teams started slow, but Germany got an early lead after a 3-pointer from Maodo Lo with 5:12 remaining in the first quarter (11-5). The Europeans extended their lead to double-digits with just over two minutes remaining (22-12). However, three straight long-range bombs from Nigeria helped them cut their deficit to three to end the period (24-21).

The teams played tug-of-war in the second quarter, neither one able to gain a significant advantage. After an and-one from Precious Achiuwa, Nigeria gained a three-point lead with over four minutes to go (40-37). The lead changed hands seven times in the period, and the scales were even at halftime (50-50).

Nigeria started the second half hot, and with the help of three straight 3-pointers from Jordan Nwora, the African team gained a 55-66 advantage. However, Germany ended the quarter on a high note, with Niels Giffey draining a last-second 3-pointer to tie the game up going into the final frame (74-74).

The game continued to be tight for half of the period. Obi Emegano's layup once again tied it up at 81 with 6:05 on the clock. That's when Germany put on a clinic, going on a 14-0 run and taking a 95-81 advantage with 2:21 to go. Their lead proved insurmountable for Nigeria that took their second-straight loss of the Olympics, falling 99-92.

Both teams shot the ball well. Germany made 54% of their shots, including 46% from long range. Nigeria converted on 51% of their buckets and shot more threes than two's (31 and 36, respectively). However, the Germans went to the free-throw line nearly twice as much as the Nigerians (23 versus 12).

Germany: Johannes Voigtmann 19 (7 rebounds), Moritz Wagner 17 (12 minutes, 4 fouls), Danilo Barthel 14, Maodo Lo 13 (9 assists, 9 turnovers), Andreas Obst 12, Johannes Thiemann 9.

Nigeria: Jordan Nwora 33 (7 rebounds), Miye Oni 15, Precious Achiuwa 9, Jahlil Okafor 9, Nnamdi Vincent 8.

UP NEXT:

Both teams will play again on Saturday. Germany will take on Australia at 11:20 (EEST).

Nigeria will try to get their first win against Italy at 7:40 (EEST).

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