Akhator fires D’Tigress to Afrobasket quarter finals
Nigerian National Women basketball team, D’Tigress yesterday booked a place in the quarter finals at the ongoing Afrobasket in Bamako Mali as they won their third consecutive match 106-72 against the Egyptians.
Evelyn Akhator shone like a million stars as she provided the needed platform on which the team built their victory.
The Dallas Wings player scored 24points, 5 assists and another impressive 13 rebounds against a more physically imposing Egyptian side.
Also, dependable Ezinne stepped up her display to record 18points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds during her 24:08 minutes’ stint on the court.
Adding salt to their opponent’s injury, Nyingifa Atonye continued her resurgence after a sloppy opening game registering 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 15 points.
A breakdown of the four quarters saw the Sam Vincent led team ending the first quarter with a 2015 points lead before scoring 30 more points in the second quarter against their opponents who could only manage 14 more points.
The team extended their lead to 79-49 at the end of the third quarter before hitting the 100 point mark as they emerged with a personal competition record of 106.
Reacting at the post match press conference, Akhator described the D’Tigress team as a young side with the ability to dominate offensively and defensively which according to her is a plus.
“I just came out to play and try to get better every other day. I think me getting used to the plays and the court and getting the trust from my teammates really helped me.” She said.
The team will observe Monday (today) as a rest day before facing Guinea on Tuesday in their fourth group game.