Rivers Hoopers face ASPAC in Louis Edem Basketball Tournament final

Rivers Hoopers will play ASPAC of Benin Republic in the final of the Louis Edem Basketball Championship after recording a 71-66 victory over Spintex Knights of Ghana on Friday in Lagos.

The duo of Buchi Nwaiwu (14 points) and Mustapha Oyebanji (13) were the two players who finished in double figures for Hoopers.

For the first time in the competition, Rivers Hoopers trailed by 4 points at the end of the first half.

The KingsMen were determined to avoid a defeat like the 2024 edition where the Ghanians emerged victorious.

Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter, but Hoopers led by 1 (55-54) going to the fourth.

Michael Daramola once again played a crucial role when he got off the bench with 1:45 seconds remaining.

With a 67-64 lead for Hoopers in the last minute, Johnson Anaiye shot his third three-pointer of the game as Hoopers edged Spintex Knights in a thrilling encounter.

Hoopers will hope to reclaim the title they won in 2023 when they face ASPAC at 5pm on Saturday while Police Batons will play Spintex Knights in the third place game.