2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League: Unbeaten Rivers Hoopers wreck Police Batons

Rivers Hoopers dismantled Police Batons 87-58 in their third game of the Atlantic Conference in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Basketball League in Benin on Tuesday.

Abel Offia, Patrick Abah, and Michael Daramola all combined for 44 points against Police Batons.

The opening quarter started slowly for both teams, as Hoopers could only manage an 8-7 lead in the first 8 minutes of the game.

With 2:52 minutes remaining in the first quarter, Buchi Nwaiwu scored four points (15-12) to stretch the lead to three going into the second quarter.

Hoopers forward Patrick Abah said, ‘Today’s game was a great one and also a tough one for us.’

‘We started slow today because of our attitude and being too comfortable winning the game. We were able to change the approach after the head coach spoke to us about being too relaxed and to increase the intensity on our defense.’

Hoopers, however, found answers to Batons’ defense as they made a 19-0 run to take a 41-25 lead to the break.

The KingsMen got back stronger to seal the win in the fourth after they struggled on the offensive end in the third quarter.

Rivers Hoopers will face Ebun Comets in the first game of Day four games of the Atlantic Conference at 8:30 am on Wednesday.

Ahead of Wednesday’s game, Abah said the team is well prepared for Comets.

‘Comets definitely would come hard at us and try to be physical because they would feel that they stand a chance, but we’re prepared for anything to come.’

‘We just have to stay focused and listen to our coach’s instructions.’