Antananarivo (FIBA Africa Championship for Women) - Fans were treated to a top level defensive game by defending champion, Mali and former champion, Nigeria in the last game of the opening day of the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women at the Palais Des Sports in Antananarivo.
Nigeria picked the first quarter by 13-11 points in the highly tactical game but gave up the lead as Mali took the lead in the second quarter with a 14-10 points win to go into the break with a 25-23 points lead.
The defensive play employed by both sides continue with Mali winning the third quarter by 09-06 and Nigeria picking the fourth quarter by 08-07 points to go down by 41-37 points.
Nigeria forward, Rashidat Sadiq led the floor with a double double figure of 13 points and 10 rebounds while Mali captain and reigning Africa most valuable player, Hamchetou Maiga had 11 points and 4 rebounds.
by Ikuesan Olusegun