Rivers Hoopers Secure Third Straight Win in NPBL, Set for Rematch Against Hoops & Read
Rivers Hoopers continued their dominant run in the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase I, claiming a third consecutive victory with a 75-59 triumph over Raptors BC in Atlantic Conference Group A action at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
Team captain Victor Koko led the charge with 16 points, narrowly missing out on a double-double. He was ably supported by John Idoga, who posted 13 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals, while Victor Sunday added 11 points.
The KingsMen once again showcased balanced scoring, with three players hitting double figures for the third straight game.
The Hoopers raced to a 22-10 lead in the opening quarter, but Raptors clawed back to take the second 19-17, leaving the halftime score at 39-29.
A strong third-quarter surge saw the Hoopers extend their lead to 21 points, though Raptors responded with a spirited 16-10 run to set up a tense finish. Ultimately, Rivers Hoopers’ improved defensive display in the fourth quarter (16-12) sealed the win.
Bench contributions proved decisive, with 42 points (56%) coming from non-starters. Forward Eric Okechukwu, who grabbed 8 rebounds, credited teamwork: ‘We had to figure out the loopholes and distribute the ball more. Once we stopped playing individually, we were able to utilise our options to our advantage.’
Despite the victory, head coach Ronald Alalibo expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s 18 turnovers. ‘Our performance was below standard today. We committed unforced errors, and that was down to our attitude,’ he remarked.
Looking ahead, Rivers Hoopers face a rematch against Hoops & Read on Wednesday, May 20. Having beaten the same opponents 84-58 on Gameday One, Alalibo warned against complacency: ‘It’s difficult playing the same team twice. They’ll approach the game differently, so we must improve on our last performance.’
