Hoopers, Chiefs, Sky Hawks Shine as NPBL Final 8 Reaches Climax
The penultimate day of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final 8 served up a series of dramatic encounters, with Hoops and Read, Gboko City Chiefs, Aso Sky Hawks and Rivers Hoopers all recording important victories at the Indoor Sports Hall on Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Hoops and Read began the day with a battle against Lagos Raptors, with both teams searching for their first win of the Final 8.
Hoops and Read established a 20-14 lead at the end of the opening quarter before the Raptors responded strongly in the second quarter to take a 33-28 advantage. The contest remained closely fought thereafter, but Hoops and Read held their nerve to secure an 87-72 victory.
Gboko City Chiefs also came from behind to defeat Kano Pillars 87-72. Pillars led for 12 minutes and enjoyed the biggest lead of the game at seven points, but Gboko made better use of their opportunities.
Pillars committed six turnovers in the opening two quarters compared to Gboko’s three, but the Chiefs capitalised on their chances to pull away and claim another valuable victory.
Aso Sky Hawks produced the most emphatic performance of the day, becoming the first team at the tournament to surpass the 100-point mark after dismantling 313 Warriors 106-69.
Sky Hawks led almost from start to finish, with Paul Dibal and Prince Obara Dibal contributing 20 points apiece, while Odufuwa Kanyinsola added 16 points in a dominant display.
Rivers Hoopers had earlier strengthened their position at the top of the standings by maintaining their unbeaten run with a 79-70 victory over defending champions Maktown Flyers.
The result moved the KingsMen to a perfect 6-0 record and handed Maktown their first defeat of the playoffs. Abel Offia led Hoopers with 14 points, while Peter Olisemeka posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.
With the Final 8 heading into its decisive stage, Rivers Hoopers and Maktown Flyers have already secured places in the Final Four, leaving the remaining teams battling for the other two semifinal spots.
