BENGHAZI (Afrobasket 2009) - Determination and understanding among the players and coaching crew of Cote d’Ivoire saw them stopping host Libya by 73-64 points in their second group-A game to even their record of 1-1.

The Ivories who lost their opening group game to Nigeria on Wednesday lost the first quarter 23-19 but came back strongly in the second quarter winning by 21-14 to go into the break with a 40-37 point’s advantage.

Effort of the Libyan side coached by USA-born Kevin Nickelberry to close the gap failed to yield results as fell by 13-05 points in the third quarter.

Libya 22-20 points win in the last quarter was not enough to save them from defeat as they succumb by 73-64 points for a 1-1 record to move down to the third spot on the group table.

Cote d’Ivoire quatet of Errick Craven, Ismael N’Diaye, Mohamed Kone and Pape-Phillipe Amagou scored 19pts, 11pts, 10pts, 8rebounds and 10pts respectively while Libya trio, Alfrateh Belgasim, Hisham Farag and Raid Fareed helped their team with 21pts, 13rebounds and 10pts and 16pts.

Libya will have its hand full when it confront Nigeria in  a tough duel on Friday while Cote d’Ivoire will battle South Africa same day.

FIBA Africa