…D’Tigress to face Hungary on Saturday
Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup at the Uber Arena in Berlin, as the Asian side produced a stunning three-point shooting display.
D’Tigress had hoped to make a winning start to their World Cup campaign, but South Korea proved too hot to handle from beyond the arc, converting 14 of 28 three-point attempts. Nigeria also struggled with ball security, committing 23 turnovers, which the Koreans capitalised on to maintain control of the game.
South Korea took the first quarter 26-22, but Nigeria responded strongly in the second, outscoring their opponents 23-22 to reduce the deficit to three points at halftime, with the Koreans leading 48-45.
However, South Korea regained their dominance after the break, edging D’Tigress 20-17 in the third quarter before producing a decisive offensive surge in the final period. The Koreans scored 31 points in the fourth quarter to Nigeria’s 19, pulling away to secure a convincing 18-point victory.
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Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria’s scoring with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Murjanatu Musa recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Ezinne Kalu contributed 11 points, five assists and two steals, while Victoria Macaulay added 10 points.
South Korea had four players finish in double figures. Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points, alongside six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Veteran Leeseul Kang added 20 points, including six three-pointers from 11 attempts.
Isaem Choi scored 19 points, converting all four of her attempts from beyond the arc, while Haeran Lee finished with 17 points.
D’Tigress will need to make swift adjustments ahead of their second Group Phase game against Hungary on Saturday, with victory crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Ball security will be a major area of concern for the African champions, as their 23 turnovers gifted South Korea 28 points. Nigeria will also need to improve their perimeter defence and shooting if they are to bounce back from their disappointing opening-day defeat.
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