Nigeria had to either defeat hosts Serbia, or lose by less than 33 points and also hope that the USA defeated Mozambique in order to qualify for its first Olympic tournament since 2004.

The USA defeated Mozambique and Nigeria lost to Serbia 70-64.

Serbia secured the first of two needed wins against African opposition this weekend as they overcame Nigeria for a tight 70-64 victory.

One of three FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament hosts, Serbia are still not yet assured of a spot at the Tokyo Olympics and will have to finish their job on the final day of action.

Turning Point: Nigeria had the edge during the early stages, but Serbia made their move with a pivotal 16-4 spell across the first and second quarters to get a 33-26 lead. There was a third successive fourth quarter comeback on Day 2 in Belgrade as Nigeria closed to within six at 59-53 before another Serbian surge sealed the deal.

Game Hero: Jelena Brooks led from the front for the hosts with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Sonja Vasic hit big shots in the fourth to finish with a game-high 21 points to guide her side home.

Stats Don’t Lie: Serbia kept finding a way back to the line and were a perfect 14-of-14 with their free throws in the first half. And their perfect record continued in the second half with six more as they made the most of their opportunities, while Nigeria were at 68 percent.

Bottom Line: Half the job done for Serbia in their quest of a weekend double over African opposition. Another win tomorrow will book their place in Tokyo, though they could advance even in defeat. Meanwhile Nigeria might not have to wait until then with a USA win over Mozambique punching their ticket.