NBPL Phase Two: Perfect Hoopers flex muscle in 20-point rout of Kwara Falcons

Rivers Hoopers continued their impressive run in Phase Two of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL), cruising to an emphatic 81–61 win over Kwara Falcons on Day Three of the Atlantic Conference on Tuesday.

The Falcons opened the game with back-to-back three-pointers, briefly taking control. However, Rivers Hoopers quickly responded, leveling the score at 13–13 before closing the first quarter ahead 17–13. From that point on, the defending champions never looked back.

The second quarter saw Rivers Hoopers ignite the home crowd, led by Mustapha Oyebanji’s explosive performance. Oyebanji scored 14 of his team-high 18 points in the quarter, including four three-pointers, helping the KingsMen build a commanding 44–30 lead at halftime.

The team’s shooting from beyond the arc was relentless, sinking five threes in the second quarter and four more in the fourth, totaling 12 for the game, the highest single-game tally so far in Phase Two of the Atlantic Conference.

By the end of the third quarter, Rivers Hoopers had stretched their lead to 22 points, maintaining their momentum to seal the 20-point win. Four players finished in double figures, with Favour Komene contributing 14 points, all from three-point range, to the delight of the crowd. Captain Victor Koko added 13 points, while John Idoga chipped in with 11.

Assistant Coach Ronald Alalibo praised the team’s performance but emphasized the importance of continuous improvement.

“I’m pleased because when you make a mistake, you go back to the drawing board, identify the adjustments needed, and implement them to perform better,” Alalibo said. “Even in this win, we saw areas that need work. We’ll keep refining our game because we must improve with each outing.”

Rivers Hoopers will aim to extend their unbeaten streak in Phase Two when they face Comets at 5 PM on Wednesday.