LAS VEGAS -- Team USA suffered a stunning and sobering defeat in its first exhibition game before the Olympics, getting outplayed by Nigeria in a 90-87 loss Saturday night.
Coming into the game the Americans had been 54-2 in exhibition games since professionals started playing in 1992 and just nine years ago beat Nigeria by 83 points in the London Olympics. Five years ago, Team USA beat Nigeria by 43 points in an exhibition.
Nigeria has five current NBA players and that talent showed, particularly in their physical defense and 3-point shooting. But the Americans started five All-NBA players and were outexecuted.