France thrash Nigeria’s D’Tigress to claim first win of Toyko Olympics
France’s Sandrine Gruda scored 14 points as the European side used a balanced offense to beat Nigeria’s D’Tigress 87-62 to claim first win of Toyko Olympics on Friday.
Gabby Williams, Endene Miyem, Marine Johannes and Alix Duchet each added 13 points as five players scored in double figures for France.
France was up six points after one and led by three early in the second quarter before blowing the game open with a 22-8 burst to close the half. Williams had six points and Duchet added five during the spurt that gave France a 44-27 halftime advantage.
Nigeria (0-2), which was coming off an eye-opening nine-point loss to the U.S. in its opener, could not close the gap in the second half.
Read Also: Australia hoops blow as Baynes ruled out of Olympics
D’Tigress were attempting to become the first African nation to win an Olympic contest in women’s basketball since 2004 when the team went 1-5 in Greece. No team from the continent has won a game since. There last chance will come on Monday against host Japan.
Coach Otis Hughley Jr. had his assistants back on the bench for this game. Ruthie Bolton and two other assistants missed the team’s first game because of Olympic credentialing issue.
France closes out pool play against the U.S. on Monday.