Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress suffered a 76-56 loss to Mali, who clinched a record ninth title, in the final of the FIBA U-18 Women’s Afrobasket on Saturday night in Pretoria, South Africa.
Despite a strong start with a 5-0 run, the Nigerian girls struggled to keep up with the dominant Malian side.
Mali won all four quarters, taking the first 11-8, the second 18-15, the third 24-19, and the fourth quarter with a commanding 23-14.
Mali’s 17-year-old Oummou Koumare, who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, put up a massive 31 points, four rebounds, and five steals against Nigeria.
Mali excelled in the paint, outscoring Nigeria 30-16, and capitalised on fast breaks, adding 15 points. Nigeria’s bench was more productive, contributing 24 points compared to Mali’s 12.
Nigerian guard Idubamo Beggi earned a spot in the All-Star team of the tournament.
Beggi, 18, who plays for the MFM Queens Basketball team in Lagos, scored 109 points across six games and was instrumental in the Junior D’Tigress’ run to the final.
She scored 23 points in the opening loss to Egypt and the semifinal victory over Uganda, although the Malians held her to 14 points in the final. Beggi also contributed 32 assists and 17 rebounds throughout the tournament in South Africa.
Despite the loss in the final, the Junior D’Tigress of Nigeria qualified for the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup next year.
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