Rivers Hoopers Fall to Gboko City Chiefs in Overtime Thriller as NPBL Playoffs Produce Late Drama
Rivers Hoopers suffered a dramatic overtime defeat on home court on Wednesday as Gboko City Chiefs produced a stunning late comeback to claim an 83-65 victory on Day 4 of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League playoffs in Port Harcourt.
The hosts appeared to be on course for victory after taking a 29-23 halftime lead and extending their advantage to 45-40 after three quarters.
But Gboko City Chiefs refused to surrender, turning the fourth quarter into a fierce contest before Marcus Thomas Jr. buried a three-pointer with just 0.9 seconds remaining to level the game at 59-59 and force overtime.
The extra period belonged completely to the visitors. Omar Abada took centre stage, draining three three-pointers, while Abel Offia and Peter Olisemeka added one each as the Chiefs pulled away emphatically to seal an 83-65 victory.
Olisemeka was outstanding on the boards, producing a double-double of 17 rebounds and 12 points, while Abada and Offia contributed 18 points apiece for the Ogph Odaudu-led side.
Rivers Hoopers had endured a difficult start, scoring just two points in the opening 4:38 before finding their rhythm through aggressive defence, rebounds and steals. However, the hosts were repeatedly exposed by the Chiefs’ fast breaks and long passes, which produced four crucial easy baskets late in the second quarter.
The result capped a dramatic fourth day of action, which also saw 313 Warriors defeat youthful Hoops and Read 66-60, Maktown Flyers maintain their perfect playoff run with an 81-64 victory over Kano Pillars, while Aso Skyhawks overcame Lagos Raptors 81-62.
Hoops and Read started brightly against 313 Warriors, leading 18-13 after the first quarter before the Warriors fought back to level the game. Hoops and Read restored a 49-43 advantage in the third quarter, but the greater experience of the Warriors ultimately proved decisive as they secured their third win.
Ibrahim Abdulkadir led all scorers with 27 points and also grabbed six rebounds for the Warriors.
Maktown Flyers, meanwhile, continued their impressive campaign with a fourth consecutive victory, defeating Kano Pillars 81-64. Keita Mohammed led the way with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Daramola Michael scored 13 points and Patrick Abah and Thomas Agbo contributed 12 points each.
In the day’s third game, Aso Skyhawks recovered from a slow start to defeat Lagos Raptors 81-62 in an entertaining contest dominated by three-point shooting.
Raptors led 16-12 after the opening quarter and 42-39 at halftime, but Aso mounted a strong third-quarter comeback to take control. Michael Okiki was influential on the boards, while Emilagba Abolaji hit a crucial three-pointer as the Skyhawks stretched their advantage.
Ajiboye Ayobamidele produced several impressive defensive plays for Raptors, including blocks on Abimbola Oduleye and veteran Ibe Agu, while Dennis Victor added four assists in the opening quarter. But the Raptors could not withstand Aso’s second-half surge.
Day 5 of the NPBL playoffs will see Lagos Raptors face Kano Pillars at noon, followed by Gboko City Chiefs against Hoops and Read at 2pm. Maktown Flyers will meet Aso Skyhawks at 4pm, before 313 Warriors take on hosts Rivers Hoopers in the final game at 6pm.
