Gallant D’Tigress bow to France, wait on Canada for quarterfinal ticket

The D’Tigress, who have been the surprise team of the women’s basketball event at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games, were brought down to earth, yesterday, by hosts, France, who beat the Nigerian girls by 75 points to 54.

Although the scoreline looks lopsided in France’s favour, the game was by no means easy for the hosts, who only capitalised on the many Nigerian turnovers to carry the day.

Unlike in the game against Australia, Nigeria’s star girl, Ezinne Kalu, found the going tougher as she could only chip in 18 points to French star, Gabby Williams’ 23.

Nigeria’s Murjanatu Musa was also outstanding as she contributed 11 points in the game dominated by Rance.
France won the first quarter by 24-20, took the second with 14 to 11 points, and extended the lead in the third quarter by 16-8 before wrapping up the game in the fourth quarter by 21-15.

Nigeria had played with typical courage and on the front foot to almost keep pace with their opponents for much of the first half.
However, the wheels came off for D’Tigress when France suffocated their offence completely and held them to single digits in the third quarter at just eight points.

Gabby Williams got France rolling as usual and was outstanding with 14 points from 70 per cent shooting, seven assists, and a super six steals. Marine Johannes also showed her shooting range and kept the party going in full swing by dropping five big triples en route to 15 points. She also dished up five assists.

The depth of France was simply everything in this game – at least in stark contrast to Nigeria. The difference in bench scoring was enormous with the hosts racking up 37 points and their opponents only nine.

France looks unstoppable and podium-ready – by far. Yes, it’s early days, but