Rivers Hoopers Rally Late to Edge Raptors in NPBL Thriller
Rivers Hoopers staged a dramatic late rally to stun Raptors BC 77-76 in the final game of Phase One of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season.
Chinedu Nwaogu held his nerve at the free-throw line, sinking two decisive shots with just two seconds left to complete the comeback and secure victory for the six-time champions.
Raptors appeared in control for most of the contest, turning a four-point halftime lead into a nine-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
They extended their advantage to 12 points early in the final period, seemingly on course to avenge their earlier defeat to the Hoopers.
But Rivers Hoopers, led by interim Head Coach Ronald Alalibo, responded with resilience. A spirited 16-3 run in the closing minutes turned the tide, fueled by belief and determination from both players and the bench.
‘We were very laid back, and that resulted in us losing the first, second, and third quarters,’ Alalibo admitted.
‘During the fourth quarter, we had to ask ourselves if we wanted to win or lose the game. We all agreed to go for the win, and so we picked up the pace.’
Nwaogu, who finished with eight points, described the pressure of his game-winning free throws: ‘I felt a bit of pressure, but I knew I was going to score. Once the first one got in, I knew the second would follow. It feels great playing for this team, with great players and coaching staff. Moving forward, I believe we can win it all.’
The Hoopers’ balanced attack featured Abel Offia with 15 points, while John Idoga and Samuel Sani added 14 apiece.
Idoga also contributed six steals, and Sani pulled down eight rebounds. The bench proved pivotal, contributing 39 points and providing vocal support that Alalibo praised as ‘our sixth man.’
With the victory, Rivers Hoopers concluded Phase One with a 5-1 record, finishing atop the Atlantic Conference Group A.
Despite the strong start, Alalibo emphasized the need for improvement ahead of Phase Two.
‘It is evident that there are certain things we have to go back and work on because the level that we’re at right now is not the level required of Rivers Hoopers. The second phase will be a very tough one’
