An overview shows (From L) Lithuania’s centre Jonas Valanciunas, Nigeria’s power forward Ike Diogu and Lithuania’s power forward Paulius Jankunas eye a rebound during a Men’s round Group B basketball match between Lithuania and Nigeria at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 9, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO
Olympic hosts Brazil kept alive their slim chances of advancing to the Rio Games basketball medal rounds by eliminating Nigeria on Monday in an 86-69 win.
Brazil, 2-3, awaits the outcome of the final Group B games later in the day to see whether it is through to the quarter-finals.
Brazilian centre Nene Hilario led all scorers with 19 points as both teams shot poorly but Brazil grabbed a 44-33 edge in rebounds to get repeated second chances.
Brazil is vying with Spain and Croatia to become the last two teams from Group B to survive to the knockout phase.
Both Argentina and Lithuania are already ensured passage to the quarters with 3-1 records.
Spain, 2-2, plays Argentina later Monday and Croatia, also 2-2, faces Lithuania.
The USA, at 5-0, along with France, Australia and Serbia have advanced out of Group A.
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