Trouble for Kenya Morans after losing to Nigeria in AfroBasket

Kenya Morans in action against Nigeria in Kigali, Rwanda.[Courtesy-FIBA]

Kenya Morans on Friday evening lost their second consecutive match at the FIBA AfroBasket after going down 71-55 to Nigeria at the Kigali Arena in Rwanda.

Albert Odero scored 23 points and eight rebounds in the loss after Taylor Ongwae was kept quiet with four points after his monster 25 points performance against Ivory Coast

The defeat was Morans second in the Group C matches after they had fallen 88-70 to Ivory Coast during their opening match on Wednesday.

Valentine Nyakinda and Fidel Okoth bagged seven points apiece behind Odero’s 23 points.

Daniel Utomi’s 17 points propelled Nigeria to their second win in Rwanda. Jeremiah Moldi followed with 10 points as Andrew Edogi, Ikena Ndugba and Omotayo Jordan each scored nine points.

Nigeria dominated the first quarter 20-8 before Kenya rallied to take the second quarter 18-14.

The West Africans, deadline within the three point line, dominated the two final quarters 15-13 and 22-16 to seal a 71-55 victory.

Nigeria moved top of the Group C standings with four points pending Ivory Coast and Mali’s match that was played late in the evening.

Kenya are third with two points but will have to defeat Mali tomorrow to stand a chance of progressing at the championships next week.

Morans top performers

Albert Odero-23 points, 8 rebounds

Valentine Nyakinda -7 points, 2 rebounds

Fidel Okoth-7 points, 7 rebounds