D’Tigers Fall In Final Game Against Venezuela

Miami, Florida – In the third and final match-up against Venezuela in a six day span, D’Tigers once again failed to make it through the final stretch as they lost another tight encounter 59-62 against a well drilled Venezuelan side. In a game played at the University of Miami Bank United Center, game three followed the same story line as the previous two games as Nigeria showed a lot of strength and quality through the early quarters only to see their efforts come short at the final hurdle.

Playing with a starting five of Ben Uzoh, Stan Okoye, Jamal Olasewere, Michael Eric and Alade Aminu, Nigeria went into the game boosted by the arrivals of former Colorado State standout Andy Ogide along with veteran Nigerian guard Chamberlain Oguchi. D’Tigers matched their opponent for effort through the first half as Oguchi showed off his quality and experience providing the team with better balance at the both guard positions. The 6’6 shooting guard knocked down his first three coming off the bench as himself and Ben Uzoh were proving a tough combination for the Venezuelan defense.

With the first quarter ending 14-12 in favor of Venezuela, D’Tigers stepped up the intensity in the next two quarters behind very good defensive pressure along with better rotation on that side of the floor. Led by efforts of Ben Uzoh and good inside play from Michael Eric and Alade Aminu, back to back threes by Chamberlain Oguchi gave Nigeria their biggest lead at  37-29 as Venezuela called time out to talk things over, the third quarter finally ended 43-36 in favor of Nigeria.

Coming into the final quarter, Venezuela started to work their way into the Nigerian lead, they stepped up their defensive intensity, and on offence they started to connect on their three-point attempts. Venezuela finally tied the game at 49 apiece midway through the fourth then proceeded to take a five point lead after another three-pointer with two minutes left in the game, all this coming behind a 13-5 run. With their backs against the wall, D’Tigers responded well, Jamal Olasewere hit a long three to bring the game closer with time winding down, however, Venezuela will make two free throws at the other end to take a three point advantage.

With 20 seconds left on the clock, Olasewere was once again among the thick of things, the former Long Island University standout was fouled hard prompting the refs to call a technical on the Venezuelan side. D’Tigers were given two free throws plus possession, however Olasewere would miss both free throws, and two long range attempts by Kingsley Oguchi and Alade Aminu failed to connect with time winding down, the score would end at 59-62 in Favor of Venezuela. Michael Eric finished with a game high 13 points for Nigeria, and Chamberlain Oguchi had 11 points.

Extras

* Ben Uzoh did not play the last two quarters, no reason has been given as of yet.

* D’Tigers led in all three games going into the fourth quarter

* For the first time ever, both Oguchi brothers Chamberlain and Kingsley were on the floor at the same time when they entered in the first quarter.