Russia is the first of three teams to qualify from the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament following their victory over Nigeria on Saturday night. They led their semifinal game wire-to-wire and held on for an 85-77 win, despite a solid fourth quarter showing from Nigeria. The tournament does not have a championship game, but Nigeria will have a second chance to make the Olympics by defeating the loser of the Dominican Republic-Lithuania semifinal.
Nigeria kept things close in the first quarter, but managed to score just eight points in the second quarter as Russia jumped out to a 46-31 halftime lead. Nigeria's offense picked up in the second half, but they were unable to make up the deficit.
Alexey Shved had a big day for Russia, leading all players with 22 points and six assists. Andrei Kirilenko chilled in with 19 points, four steals and eight rebounds. Ike Diogu led Nigeria with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
For more, check out our 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament StoryStream.
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