Rivers Hoopers stay perfect despite early struggles in 65–49 victory over Comets

Rivers Hoopers extended their unbeaten run in Phase Two of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) with a hard-fought 65–49 win over Ebun Comets on Wednesday night in Port Harcourt.

The defending champions overcame a sluggish start to secure their third win in as many games, showcasing resilience and defensive discipline in front of their home crowd.

After trailing at halftime for the first time this season, the KingsMen rallied in the second half to dominate the final two quarters.

Hoopers led 19–14 after the first quarter but faltered in the second, managing just nine points while Comets surged ahead with 18. The halftime score stood at 32–28 in favor of the visitors, prompting concern from Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu.

‘I think we started badly,’ Odaudu admitted post-game. ‘I noticed before jumpball that the body attitude was not convincing; there was no energy at all. Everything was flat. That was why we struggled, and that’s something I have to work on.’

The team responded after the break, with vice captain Buchi Nwaiwu draining a crucial three-pointer to restore the lead. Rivers Hoopers entered the fourth quarter up 46–43 and then delivered a near flawless final period, scoring 19 points and holding Comets to just six.

‘Basketball is about stopping your opponent from scoring, not how many baskets you make,’ Odaudu said. ‘I emphasised a lot about the defence, and they came, and they did it perfectly.’

Next up, Rivers Hoopers face Lagos Legends in a top-of-the-table clash. Both teams are unbeaten and have already secured playoff spots, but Odaudu expects a fierce contest.

‘It will be treated just like any other game,’ he said. ‘We’re going to do the same thing we always do, nothing different. It’s going to be a very intense game tomorrow because nobody wants to be beaten. It’s an ego battle right now, and we don’t want to disappoint our fans here at home.’

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm on Thursday at the Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.