By America Hernandez and Angelica Medina
PARIS (Reuters) – Fancied Belgium’s Olympic campaign began poorly as they were upset by debutants Germany 83-69, while Nigeria shocked Australia 75-62 at the Paris Games in the women’s basketball tournament at the Pierre Mauroy stadium on Monday.
In a tough Group C, where defending champions the United States begin their quest for gold against Japan later on Monday, Belgium were partly undone by Germany’s dynamic Sabally sisters, Satou and Nyara, who secured 33 points between them.
There was also a shock in Group B as point guard Ezinne Kalu scored 19 points to help 12th-ranked Nigeria, who are three-times defending African champions, beat third-ranked Australia.
“Our defence were relentless,” she said. “When we were on court, we smelt blood for the ball. Nobody defends like us, and that’s what kept us going. Second half Australia came out very strong… But we just kept our foot on the gas and kept going.”
Hosts France take on Canada in Group B later on Monday.
(Reporting by America Hernandez and Angelica Medina; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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