Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers Hoopers beat Atlantic Conference rivals Kwara Falcons 57-43 to extend their unbeaten run to 7 games in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Basketball League in Akure.
On a day Rivers Hoopers struggled on shooting and committed too many turnovers, they had to depend on their defence and frontcourt to get the job done.
Solomon Ajegbeyi led the way with 18 points while Victor Anthony Koko added 10 points.
Hoopers scored just 8 points in the second quarter and trailed by 3 (22-25) at halftime.
It was the first time the KingsMen trailed at halftime since the start of the competition.
Hoopers made a 13-0 run in the last 4 minutes of the third quarter to lead by 16 (45-29).
The falcons fought back to cut the lead to 10 (48-38) with 3 mins remaining but Hoopers held on to grab their seventh win in a row.
Rivers Hoopers will play their last game against Ondo Raiders.
22 teams are currently taking part in the competition for the sole ticket for the 2021 NBA/FIBA Basketball African League.
This first phase of the competition will end on Thursday 16th September 2021.