BENGHAZI (Afrobasket 2009) - Defending champion of the FIBA Africa Championship for men, Angola Tuesday won the big battle against Nigeria in a keenly contested match that kept the fans in Benghazi yeaning for more action by 93-85 to top group-E of the Eight-Final-Round.

The defending champion won the first quarter by 24-18 while the Nigeria stiff challenge gave in a little as both sides end the second quarter 24 points each.

Nigeria gained momentary advantage in the third quarter with quality floor leadership provided by team captain, Gabe Muoneke whose 33 points was not enough to save the day for the Nigerian team who won the third quarter by 23-20 points to go into the last quarter with three point’s deficit of 68-65 points.

Both sides gave the fans something to cheer in the last quarter with quality basketball action but it was the Angolan who ran away with a 25-20 points win for a final score-line of 93-85 points going into the quarter-finals which starts on Thursday at the Africa Union Hall in Tripoli.

Eduardo Mingas led the Angolan with 23 points and 7 rebounds, Carlos Morais added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while the trio of Armando Costa, Olimpio Cipriano and FeliZardo Ambrosio contributed 13, 12 and 10 points each.

Joining Mouneke who scored a championship high of 33 points are Jeleel Akindele and Ebi Ere with 16 and 12 points each.

FIBA Africa