Five-time NBBF Men’s Premier League kings, and defending champions, Rivers Hoopers, on Saturday completed the conquest of the Atlantic Conference of the abridged League with a narrow win over arch-rivals Hoops N’ Read of Lagos.
The South South basketball warrior earned a slim and last minute wins following a nerve racking and unpredictable game at the main basketball court of the Samuel Ogbemudia, Stadium before a handful of spectators.
With both teams yet to drop a game in the 7 days long League playoff, Rivers Hoopers were swift on the attack in the opening part of the first quarter with the scores at 15-4 with 5 minutes left on the clock.
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The second half of the first quarter was no happy time for Hoopers as a rejuvenated Hoops N’ Read replied strongly to bring the scores to 22-20 leaving Hoopers speechless and gasping for breath.
Hoopers were given bitter pills to chew by Hoops N’ Read who hit swiftly in the initial half of the second quarter, but failed to maintain the steam as the Port Harcourt side capitalized onHoops N’ Read’s defensive lapses to take the second quarter, 37-33.
Rivers Hoopers who throughout the League won their 6 previous matches with huge margins had a hard time performing their magic, as the Lagos giants trailed closely always one point during most part of the gruelling confrontation.
The third quarter was no exception for Hoops N’ Read as they battled with the 2024 BAL third placed cagers, with Hoopers struggling to make it near the basket, using three pointers as the winning strategy, to keep the lead 60-53.
Dogged and spirited, Hoops N’ Read drove for a win in the final 10 minutes but, it was too little, too late as the Eko League champions lost both the match and also their winning streak 80-78, it all ended with Rivers Hoopers celebrating.
Though Hoops N’ Read lost the match they left the Basketball Court of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State with their heads high.
Head Coach of Rivers Hoopers Ogoh Odaudu, in an interview stated that a win is all that matters.
He applauded Hoops N’ Read for being well organized in their play coupled with exceptional players on the court, who were able to battle his side till the last minute.
“We played against one of the best teams in the tournament, Hoops N’ Read have been well organized, they have very good players.”
Coach Ogoh Odaudu strongly believes that his team also have themselves to blame for the scrapy win as they failed to hold a good defense together.
“We also didn’t play our best today, this is one of our worst games so far, and the result came out the way it was, but we are still happy with the win, whether it’s one point or two points we are still happy,” he stressed.
He added that the tough battle with legendary, Hoops N’ Read, highlighted some lessons they will work on as they hope to build their defense, be more patient and execute their plays when we are on offense.
The Coach attributed the Sterling performance of the team to their sponsors, Rivers State Government, adding that other States should learn from the sports loving government.
“It is unbelievable, we’ve never had it so good in a very long while, especially since when the Honourable Commissioner for Sports in the State, Barrister Christopher Green assumed office, everything has turned around for basketball in Rivers State.
“In less than two years, we have been hosted by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Honourable Sim Fubara, we have been hosted by him twice, and he has really boosted the morale of the team with serious cash gifts, so it’s actually unbelievable the support we receive from the State, and that is one of the major reasons why we are making it so well,” he expressed.
He reiterated that the big dream for the players is Basketball Africa League in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.
“Everybody wants to win the Final 8 and qualify for BAL and especially since we have tasted it before, which is why we want to go back. The unbeaten streak is a lot of motivation for the boys it has boosted their confidence, some of them are hypedup. The morale is high, we will just go back and work on those little things we didn’t do right and hopefully, we’ll be ready when the Final 8 comes,” he emphasized.
The road to BAL will not be an easy one for the Rivers State side as Hoops N’ Read aheading back to the drawing board to x-ray their outing in Benin City with a view to correct them and form a massive gang that will be difficult to breakdown.
The head coach of Hoops N’ Read Victor Mensah says the defeat is firmly behind them. They are looking forward to the Final 8.
