Within the second set of Group B video games on Thursday, Nigeria and France will play for group supremacy, as each groups gained their openers. Whereas France’s victory over Canada may need been anticipated, Nigeria’s win over Australia definitely was not anticipated.
For those who’re a fan of the EuroLeague, you weren’t stunned by how good of a exhibiting Gabby Williams (12 factors, eight assists, 5 steals), Marième Badiane or Janelle Salaün had in opposition to Canada. France sit on the prime of the desk due to scoring the identical quantity of factors as Nigeria, however holding Canada to simply 54 factors.
How D’Tigress surprised the Opals
Nigeria might be on the lookout for one other upset after profitable 75-62 in opposition to Australia. After some hesitation in the beginning of their first sport, D’Tigress picked up the tempo and entered halftime up by 13 factors. 19 of their 41 factors got here off turnovers, which the Opals dedicated in bunches. No workforce can anticipate to have the lead after shedding the ball 16 instances throughout a half! The play of that point interval, if not the entire sport, was Murjanatu Musa’s block on Ezi Magbegor because the Seattle Storm large was driving to the basket. Within the second half, Australia tried to regain management over the sport, however missed area targets and free throws, in addition to 10 extra turnovers, didn’t assist their trigger. Nigeria’s hustle was unmatched on that day; they merely wished it extra.
Throughout Swish Enchantment’s interview with Ify Okoro earlier than the Olympics, she mentioned:
We take pleasure in basketball and we’re coming to place a stamp on our title, you realize, simply to make Africa proud. Take it one sport at a time. Simply concentrate on executing. That’s the factor. We’re simply gonna come and do our factor and attempt to win as a lot video games as we will.
Their tenacity can be sufficient to try this, however by taking part in their sport, they have been in a position to shock the world.
What’s subsequent?
Now, the Opals are in a must-win scenario, which is dangerous for them, however good for us informal viewers, who will get to see them meet Canada in a possible barn-burner. The results of that sport relies on effectivity. Canada should shoot higher from lengthy distance than their 5-of-18 efficiency in opposition to France. They’re able to that, simply as a lot because the Opals are of executing higher than they did in opposition to Nigeria. In the event that they play like they did within the second half, we’ll be in for a decent, thrilling contest.
Recreation data
Australia vs. Canada
When: Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Methods to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
France vs. Nigeria
When: Thursday, August 1 at 11:15 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Methods to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
