The D'Tigers won the first quarter 20-8, while Kenya won the second quarter 18-14, but it wasn't enough to save Nigeria from winning the first half 34-26.
Uzodinma Utomi picked up where he left off against Mali, scoring 17 points to lead the team against Kenya.
Jeremiah Mordi came off the bench to have a terrific offensive and defensive game, scoring 10 points and grabbing 5 boards while harassing the Kenyans all over the court.
Jordan Ogundiran had 9 points and a 75 percent field goal conversion, while TK Edogi got 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Coach Mike Brown stressed the importance of improving as a team, particularly on defense, at the press conference.
“I think we had some good offensive shots tonight that didn't go in, but our offensive effort was inconsistent, and I think that was what hurt us the most.”
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Despite Kenya's strong defensive effort, Brown thought the squad played better in the second half.
“When the defense tightens up, we tighten up or get better. It's just a matter of driving the basketball. When we drive the ball, the defense will collapse, and if we are unselfish, which the players have been for the most part, we will get excellent opportunities offensively if we make the perfect pass and the floor is spaced.”
Brown went on to say, "We don't want people to believe in us." All that matters is that we believe in ourselves. We haven't played particularly well. I believed we played better as a team in the second half. We didn't play well even in the first game, and we played better in the first game than the second.”
Brown stated, "We can be better, we believe in ourselves, and we believe we can continue to improve as the tournament progresses."
Nigeria will play Côte d'Ivoire in their last group game on Sunday.
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