2015 Afro-Basket: Nigeria beats Senegal 88-79

Nigeria became the first team to reach the AfroBasket 2015 after an 88—79 overtime win over Senegal on Saturday in Rades, Tunisia.

The win ends Senegal’s five-game winning streak in the tournament.Nigeria’s sharpshooter Chamberlain Oguchi made 8 of his 13 three-pointers to lead all scorers with 28 points, while Gorgui Dieng, who spent the entire 45 minutes and was in foul limit, propelled Senegal with 20 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.It was a balanced game with seven lead changes.Nigeria’s nine-point lead in the second was short-lived as Ibrahima Thomas hit a three-pointer with three seconds to give Senegal a 37-35 half-time lead.But when Nigeria entered the final minute of the regulation leading 76-73, Dieng thought they needed extra five minutes, making a three-pointer to tie the contest at 76-76.Nigeria’s team rotation proved crucial as their bench came with a pivotal 21-point contribution.With the result, Nigeria will reach the AfroBasket final for the first time since 2003.Turning Point: Oguchi hit a three-pointer with 1:07 minute to give Nigeria a 82-76 to decide the contest.Stats Don’t Lie: Oguchi’s three-pointers were detrimental for Senegal who attempted to reach the final of the tournament for the second time since 1997.

Game Hero: Nigeria’s Olaseni Lawal stepped on floor to do whatever it was needed to spark his country. By the end of the firs quarter Lawal led Nigeria with 11 points.The Bottom Line: It was a balanced contest with Nigeria capitalising from Oguchi three-pointer’s accuracy, while Senegal struggled at both ends of the floor.