Al-Farouq Aminu came on strong down the stretch, scoring four of his 10 points in the final two minutes, however Nigeria was unable to hold off Russia on Saturday in its opening game of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
The 6-foot-9 Aminu, who signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent earlier this summer, also had a big steal with just over a minute left while the game was tied. The Nigerians, though, were unable to capitalize as the Russians closed the game on a 7-2 run, winning 82-77 in Group B action.
Trailing for much of the first three quarters, the Nigerians stormed back and took an eight-point advantage midway through the final frame.