Basketball in Africa

Adaora Elonu scored 22 points and scooped eight rebounds to pivot the D'Tigress to a 73-65 defeat of Gabon yesterday in the basketball event of the ongoing 11th African Games.
The victory ensured the National female basketball team advanced into tomorrow's semi-finals of the competition, even though it was not as smooth as expected.
But for sterling performances from Joyce Ekworomadu (11 points, eight rebounds), Helen Ogunjimi (11 points, two rebounds) and Sarah Ogoke (seven points, four rebounds), the Gabonese were aiming for an upset.
Nigeria led 12-9 after the first five minutes, and could only take a 20-19 lead into the second quarter, in a game that kept going back and forth.
They extended their lead to 29-27 midway into the second quarter, but as the Gabonese fought back they could only take a 35-34 lead by the half time mark.
Then, the Gabonese had a remarkable return, taking a 46-43 lead midway into the third quarter, before the D'Tigress rallied for a 53-50 lead by the end of the quarter.
With Priscilla Udeaja scoring a total eight and scooping 10 rebounds, Olayinka Sanni scoring 10 and having five rebounds, and Ndidi Madu holding sway, the Nigerian side steadied their game.