26th Afrobasket: Nigeria loses to Angola 68-76

Nigeria gave up a first quarter lead of 23-15 points to go down against ten-time champion of FIBA Africa Championship for Men, Angola who replied the first quarter eight points deficit to even score at half-time winning the second quarter by 14-22.
 
Nigeria again took the initiative in the third quarter of the explosive semi-finals game  to gain a two points lead of 19-17 going into the fourth quarter with a 56-54 points advantage but it was the defending champion who had a last laugh winning the last quarter by 12-22 points for a final scores of 68-76 points.
 
Reigning most valuable player of the Afrobasket Joaquim Gomes led his team challenge for the continent sole London 2012 Olympic ticket with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and one block-shot, veteran forward Eduardo Mingas had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while the duo of Leonel Paulo and Felizardo Ambrosio had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 11 points, 3 rebounds respectively.
 
With the win over Nigeria in the second semi-finals Angola will now confront Tunisia in the grand finale Sunday while Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire battle for the third place game also on Sunday.
 
Winner of the 26th Afrobasket gain automatic ticket to the basketball event of the London 2012 Olympic Games while the second and third place side will compete against teams from Europe, Americas, Asia and Oceania for the three extra slot available.