Rivers Hoopers Stay Perfect, Defeat Hoops & Read in NPBL Phase Two

Rivers Hoopers continued their flawless run in the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Two, defeating Hoops & Read 68-52 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to claim their third consecutive victory.

The six-time national champions, fresh from a hard-fought win over hosts Coal City Blazers, showed early dominance by racing to a 9-2 lead before closing the first quarter ahead 17-11.

Forward John Idoga spearheaded the offense, scoring 13 of his game-high 21 points in the first half, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Hoopers a 37-27 halftime advantage.

Momentum carried into the third quarter as Samuel Sani capped a 12-2 run with a powerful dunk off Victor Sunday’s behind-the-back assist, stretching the lead to 20 points.

Hoops & Read mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to nine, but Rivers Hoopers responded with a decisive 7-0 run to seal the win.

Idoga was one of four Hoopers players in double figures, joined by Abel Offia (12 points), Sunday (10), and Sani (10). The KingsMen swept all four quarters to underline their dominance.

Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo praised the team’s progress but acknowledged the physical toll of back-to-back fixtures.

‘We are gradually reaching our peak, and our team chemistry is improving with every game. However, I believe we still have work to do,’ Alalibo said.

He added that fatigue was evident after consecutive high-intensity games: ‘At certain points, some players looked sluggish, but we had to push through to secure the win.’

Vice-captain Buchi Vincent echoed the sentiment, noting the physical nature of the contest.

‘My entire body is sore, and it is the same for my teammates, but we will regroup and be ready by tomorrow,’ he said.

Rivers Hoopers next face Kwara Falcons on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., with Alalibo emphasizing careful rotation and recovery to maintain intensity.