NaijaTalkTalk- NBA Loud Links: USA Basketball prepares for Olympic opener with final exhibition vs. Nigeria

Men's Basketball

Following an inefficient outing against Venezuela, USA Men's Basketball concludes its pre-Olympic schedule opposite Rio-qualifier Nigeria. During team U.S.' latest showcase, the prohibitive Gold-Medal favorites faltered mightily from deep -- connecting on just 4-of-25 three-point attempts -- while shooting an exhibition-worst 42.4 percent overall.

Monday, from Houston's Toyota Center, Mike Krzyweski's squad looks to regain top form versus their experienced Group B opposition. Former NBA reserves Ike Diogu and Ben Uzoh lead a Nigerian national unit that includes Pistons' 2016 second-round pick Michael Gbinije and Portland standout Al-Farouq Aminu's older brother Alade.

Pursuant to tonight's encounter, Team U.S. opens Olympic play Saturday, August 6 vs. China. In two Olympic tune ups, USA pounded China by an average of 49.5 points.

Throughout a mostly impressive pre-Rio run, Team USA Olympic Basketball has been fueled by an equal-opportunity offense and stifling defense. Overall, the defending two-time Olympic champions have outscored exhibition opponents 101-58 nightly, while garnering a 4-0 record.

International veterans Kevin Durant (16 ppg) and Carmelo Anthony (12.3) have led the United States' offensive onslaught. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson (13.5) and DeMarcus Cousins (13.5) join an impressive collection that boasts ten players averaging four-plus points.

On the defensive side, Team U.S. has dominated the glass in grabbing 48.5 rebounds per game, while swiping 11.25 steals and blocking 5.25 shots per outing.