D’TIGRESS of Nigeria suffered their first defeat in the women’s basketball event of the Paris 2024 Olympics today, going down 75-54 to hosts France.
The African champions had caused one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history when they defeated world No.3 Australia 75-62 on Monday, but the French were much too strong for them today.
D’Tigress were very much in the contest after the first quarter, restricting France to only a four-point lead as it ended 24-20.
Nigeria stayed in touch in the second quarter and kept the French within touching distance as the score was 38-30 at half-time.
However, France pulled away in the third quarter, taking advantage of Nigeria’s turnovers and missed shots to lead 54-39.
The hosts wrapped up the victory in the fourth quarter to qualify for the quarter-finals while D’Tigress need a good result against Canada to advance.
Gabby Williams was the standout star for France, recording 14 points, 5 rebounds and seven assists.
