‘I think we played our worst basketball of the tournament today,’ says Rivers Hoopers coach, Odaudu

Rivers Hoopers defeated Hoops and Read 80-78 emerge champions of the Atlantic Conference in Benin on Saturday but head coach, Ogoh Odaudu was not impressed with the performance of his men.

Odaudu said, ”A win is a win, but I think we played our worst basketball of the tournament today; we didn’t do what we were supposed to do and drifted away from the plan.” I am still happy we held on for the win.”

Odaudu appreciated the Rivers Sports commissioner, Chris Green for motivating the players with 1 million naira for each win in the conference.

‘I think it’s something that motivated the players even more; the boys don’t like to hear anything about money. If you bet with them, you are certain to lose. The commissioner has been very good to us; he has been the pillar of this team, we thank him for that, and we are looking forward to getting the money he promised us.”

Four players finished on double digits for Hoopers; Johnson Anaiye scored 13, Michael Okiki added 12, while Patrick Abah and Ifeanyi Koko both scored 10 apiece.

Abah and Koko both made two treys in the game, scoring 2/3 from the arc. Anaiye also made 8-of-12 from the line.

Hoopers captain and vice captain Victor Koko and Buchi Nwaiwu both contributed from the boards with 6 rebounds each in the game.

The KingsMen will return to Port Harcourt on Sunday to prepare for the final eight billed for 13-19 November in a yet-to-be decided venue.