Unbeaten Rivers Hoopers win NBBF league for second time

Posted : 04 November 2024

Five-time NBBF Men’s Premier League champions and defending titleholders, Rivers Hoopers, clinched the Atlantic Conference title in the abridged league with a narrow win over arch-rivals Hoops N’ Read of Lagos.

The South-South basketball warriors secured a last-minute victory after a nerve-racking and unpredictable game at the main basketball court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in front of a modest crowd.

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Both teams entered the seven-day league playoffs undefeated, with Rivers Hoopers taking an early lead in the first quarter, scoring 15-4 with five minutes left.

In the latter part of the first quarter, however, Hoopers faced a strong response from Hoops N’ Read, who closed the gap to 22-20, leaving Hoopers scrambling to regain momentum.

Hoops N’ Read put up a strong challenge in the initial half of the second quarter, but failed to sustain their pace, allowing the Port Harcourt side to capitalize on defensive lapses and take the lead at 37-33.

Throughout the league, Rivers Hoopers had been winning by large margins but struggled in this match as the Lagos giants kept the score close, often trailing by just one point during much of the intense contest.

The third quarter saw Hoops N’ Read continue their challenge, battling the 2024 BAL third-place team, with Hoopers relying on three-pointers to keep their lead at 60-53.

Despite a spirited comeback attempt in the final 10 minutes, Hoops N’ Read ultimately fell short, ending their unbeaten streak as Eko League champions, with a final score of 80-78 favoring Rivers Hoopers.

Rivers Hoopers celebrated the win, while Hoops N’ Read left the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, with their heads held high.

Rivers Hoopers' head coach Ogoh Odaudu remarked that a win was all that mattered. He praised Hoops N’ Read for their well-organized play and the quality of their players, who fought until the final minute.

“We played against one of the best teams in the tournament. Hoops N’ Read are well-organized and have very good players,” he noted.

Coach Odaudu acknowledged that his team could have performed better, admitting that defensive lapses contributed to their close win.

“We didn’t play our best today; this was one of our worst games so far. Still, we’re happy with the win, even if it was just by one or two points,” he stressed.

Reflecting on the challenging game, he added that they identified key areas for improvement, especially in defense, patience, and offensive execution.

Odaudu attributed the team’s success to their sponsors, the Rivers State Government, commending them for their support and urging other states to emulate their commitment to sports.

“It’s been remarkable. We’ve never had it this good, especially since the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, took office. In less than two years, the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sim Fubara, has hosted us twice, providing substantial morale-boosting support. This backing has made a big difference,” he expressed.

He reiterated that the team’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda.

“Everyone wants to win the Final 8 and qualify for BAL, especially since we’ve experienced it before. The unbeaten streak has boosted the players' confidence. Some are extremely motivated. We’ll work on our weaknesses and aim to be fully prepared for the Final 8,” he emphasized.

The path to BAL won’t be easy for Rivers Hoopers, as Hoops N’ Read plan to review their performance in Benin City to address any weaknesses and come back stronger.

Hoops N’ Read head coach Victor Mensah said the team has moved past the defeat and is now focusing on the Final 8.

Unbeaten Rivers Hoopers win NBBF league for second time

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