D’Tigers In Do Or Die Tie

Nigeria’s male basketball team, D’Tigers have  the last chance in their quest for a London 2012 ticket today, when they file out against European powerhouses, Lithuania at the ongoing Olympic qualifier holding in Caracas, Venezuela.

The Nigerian team will go into the clash with all to play for. Only victory will do with the hope that the hosts can also do them a favour by beating their opponent in the final Group B encounter.

Nigeria had herself to blame as she failed with her comeback due to sloppy finishing and fell to hosts Venezuela by two points, 71-69 on Monday night.

Trailing repetitiously to the South Americans-sometimes in double figures- D’Tigers simply refused to wilt and clawed their way back into the game over and over.

But it was not to be as NBA star and top scorer Vasquez and friends proved too much despite horrible shooting from the line.

Both relative unknowns Ibekwe and Aminu had monster games and one can only question why Ibekwe was left so long on the bench.

His game -despite him missing the final basket that would have tied the game – shone just like his neon yellow shoes, as his tenacity infected the West Africans in the last two quarters.

Aminu meanwhile rained clutch 3’s on the Venezuelans.

While it appeared a stunning third-quarter cameo from Venezuelan star Greivis Vasquez (24 points) had secured victory, Nigeria charged back from an 11-point deficit to take the lead early in the final period.

Vasquez then made a series of classy drives against the tough Nigerian defence – which spectacularly blocked eight shots – to extend the margin.

Nigeria refused to give in, closing the gap repeatedly and then creating a shot to send the game into overtime in the dying seconds.

But an enormous block from Hector Romero (10 points, 4 rebounds) sealed the win and sent the crowd into delirium.

Ike Diogu (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Anthony Skinn (10 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) led the way for Nigeria.

D’Tigers final group game is against European powerhouses Lithuania.