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Rena Wakama’s ladies went into the game as underdogs against a Canadian team that is ranked 5th in the global basketball rankings. D’Tigress got off to an impressive start, but the Canadians proved their mettle by tying the first quarter to 18-18. Canada was superior in the second quarter by winning 23-19, finishing the first half 41-37.
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Nigeria came into the second half more determined, won the third quarter 23-5 points, and took a 14 point lead (60-46). Wakama’s ladies held on to their advantage in the final quarter despite losing 24-19 points to record a 79-70 point win, thanks to the exceptional display by Ezinne Kalu, who scored 21 points and the rest of the squad. Nigeria went into the tournament as the least ranked team in Group B but shook the world after beating 3rd-ranked Australia 75-62 to record their first Olympic Games win in 20 years.
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They lost to host, France 75-54 in their second group game before upsetting 5th-ranked Canada in their last group game.
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