Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Three-time champions of the Nigeria Basketball League, Rivers Hoopers have qualified for the semi-finals of the NBBF Final 8 after securing a 100 percent record in the Group A of the ongoing tournament.
Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club pulled off a second-half comeback to beat rivals Gombe Bulls 69-61 and set up a semi-final clash with Nigeria Customs at the Indoor Sports Hall, Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Sunday.
The group stage of the ongoing Federal Ministry for Youth & Sports Development (FMYSD) Final 8 was concluded on Sunday evening with the KinsgMen maintaining a 100% start to the competition.
After a back-and-forth affair in the first half, Rivers Hoopers took control in the third quarter despite trailing at half-time (33-34).
Johnson Anaiye had a double-double,19 points, 11 rebounds, and scored 10/13 from the free throw line adding 5 assists and 2 steals.
Owen Oriakhi added 18 points, 5 rebounds, and shot 7 of 10 from the free-throw line with one 3-pointer to go with it.
The two Hoopers’ guards built a strong two-man game that kept Rivers Hoopers offense flowing late in the game.
The KingsMen eventually extended their lead to 8 points in the last 27 seconds of the game.
Ibe Agu had 15 points and 8 rebounds while Mustapha Oyebanji scored 12 points for Gombe Bulls.
Up next is the semi-finals where the KingsMen have to beat Customs to book a place in the final.
Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu says his team needs to play better when they face Customs in their semi-final clash in Abuja.
