NBBF Final 8 Match Day 1: Hoops N' Read edge Kano Pillars

Posted : 15 November 2024

Lagos State basketball bigwigs, Hoops N' Read, have started their Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Men's Premier League Final 8 campaign on a strong footing with an exciting comeback.

Under the stewardship of Coach Victor Mensah, Hoops N' Read came from behind to secure their first win in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, defeating Kano Pillars 73-66.

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Hoops N' Read failed to live up to expectations in the opening 10 minutes, as Kano Pillars dominated the first quarter due to woeful defensive lapses and poor connections by Hoops N' Read, resulting in a 15-19 scoreline.

Following some intensive discussions among the coaches and players, the slammers from the Center of Excellence gave the Kano Warriors a taste of their own medicine.

The second quarter proved decisive for Hoops N' Read, with Ademola Kareem leading the charge to create a five-point margin at halftime, 40-35.

Hoops N' Read kept the momentum alive in the third quarter, while the men from the Centre of Commerce tried to calculate every play to turn the game in their favor but failed, frequently giving away possession.

Hoops N' Read capitalized on Kano Pillars’ clumsiness, making five consecutive steals that left Head Coach Scott Nnaji visibly frustrated.

However, Hoops N' Read made little use of the steals and rebounds, as the basketball seemed to constantly elude them, bringing the score to 52-47.

Proudly sponsored by the Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, Hoops N' Read added two more points to their margin in the final quarter, leaving Kano State basketball fans exhausted in a game that could have gone either way.

After the unpredictable battle, Coach Scott Nnaji admitted that his side had the win on a platter of gold but failed to capitalize on the opportunities.

He pointed out that, despite having possession on numerous occasions, his players failed to convert their chances several times.

He also highlighted that his team struggled because two of his players were not cleared to play by FIBA, the global governing body for basketball.

Coach Nnaji added that his team will approach Match Day 2 with lessons learned and a plan to execute them.

On the other hand, Victor Mensah, Head Coach of Hoops N' Read, was not entirely pleased with the win, stating that his team could perform better and that their next match against Police Baton would be an improved display.

He explained that although his team recorded many steals, they failed to use them to their advantage.

He further assured that his coaching crew would address the issues properly to prevent a repeat of such a lackluster performance in future games.

Looking ahead to the clash with Police Baton, Coach Mensah stated that his team would not underestimate their opponents but would approach the game aggressively. Police Baton is a side they had previously knocked out in the Atlantic Conference.

Hoops N' Read are currently second in Group A, behind Gboko City Chiefs, who defeated Police Baton 82-50 in their match.

Kano Pillars are third in the standings, with Police Baton sitting at the bottom of the group.

Elsewhere, Nile University defeated the 2022 champions Kwara Falcons 62-45, while the defending champions Rivers Hoopers overwhelmed Gombe Bulls 87-56.

NBBF Final 8 Match Day 1: Hoops N' Read edge Kano Pillars

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