Brazil '06: How Nigeria lost to Rusia

Russia opened their FIBA World Championship for Women Group C campaign with a convincing 84-50 victory over Nigeria in Barueri, Brazil.

The European side held a narrow advantage over their African counterparts after the opening quarter, but gradually built a healthy advantage to go into the half-time break with a 37-29 lead.

And two strong final quarters from Igor Grudin’s side meant they ran out comfortable winners by a 34-point margin. Five players made it into double points for the Russians, with Ilona Korstin top-scoring with 13 points.

Maria Stepanova and Ekaterina Lisina also contributed heavily to the commanding performance, both hauling down a total of eight rebounds each.

Nigeria captain Mfon Sunday Udoka was also in the double figure with 13 points, while Enjoli Izidor contributed 11 points.

Day 1 Results

Korea vs Spain: 57-87

France vs Czech Republic: 62-58

Argentina vs Brazil: 69-71

Russia vs Nigeria: 84-50

Cuba vs Chinese Taipei: 75-70

Senegal vs Canada: 64-65

USA vs China: 119-72

Courtesy fiba.com