Can Mali stop Nigeria in front of home fans?
BAMAKO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Nigeria have been unstoppable and dominant so far in the first-leg of Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Bamako, but, can they beat Mali in front of their home fans on Sunday?
Two convincing wins in as many games - against Uganda and Rwanda - translate Nigeria's urgency in competing for one of the five tickets for African teams for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.
On the other hand, Mali head to Sunday's matchup on the back of a highly motivating win over Uganda on Saturday.
In order to deny Nigeria for the first time since 1992, Mali will need to be able to protect the perimeter, where the Nigerians have been terrific, averaging an African Qualifiers-high 49 percent.
D’Tigers bench scored 56 points today, outscoring Rwanda’s point total by three.
— Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) February 24, 2018
Zanna (14), Emegano (13), and Ojo (10) all scored in double figures off the bench. pic.twitter.com/f3Qcl7DcYo
These two teams have faced off five times since 2005, and Nigeria have claimed a 5-0 edge in head-to-head.
Only last September Alex Nwora's men dispatched Mali 90-67 in the Group Phase of the FIBA AfroBasket.
Michael Efevberha and Ike Diogu lead D'Tigers with a combining 33 points per game, while Ibrahim Djambo and Mamadou Keita have been phenomenal for Mali, averaging 18 points apiece.
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