USA Basketball loses to Nigeria in its first Olympic tuneup

USA Basketball fell to Nigeria, 90-87, in their exhibition opener in Las Vegas.

With this win, Nigeria became the first African team to beat the USA in a basketball game. Gabe Nnamdi, who goes by Gabe Vincent when playing for the Miami Heat, led Nigeria with 21 points. Caleb Agada, who plays in the Israeli league, added 17 points, while Ike Nwamu contributed 13 markers.

ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerians, who are coached by Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown, made 20-of-42 3-pointers and outscored the U.S. 60-30 from three-point area.

Kevin Durant led the way for Team USA with a team-high 17 points to go with five rebounds, and four assists in a game-high 28 minutes. Jayson Tatum added 15, Damian Lillard had 14 and Bam Adebayo tallied 11.

The U.S Men’s basketball team will return to action on Monday (Tuesday Philippine Time) when the team faces Australia in their second tuneup game in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

Watch the game highlights below.

(Video by NBA)