Rivers Hoopers, seeking a third consecutive NBPL crown, fielded a blend of youth and experience with starters including vice-captain Nwaiwu Buchi Vincent, Michael Daramola, Samuel Sani, Victor Sunday, and new recruit Favour Komene. The KingsMen raced to a 9-2 lead, spearheaded by Victor Sunday and Daramola, though Kwara Falcons closed the gap to end the first quarter at 23-19 for Hoopers.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu made key substitutions in the second quarter, notably introducing captain Victor Koko Anthony for defensive stability and leaning on Sani and Idoga’s energy, pushing the halftime score to 45-30. Rivers Hoopers extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Falcons 27-17 for a 72-47 advantage.
Fourth Quarter and Coach’s Comments
With victory all but secured, Odaudu gave newer squad members extended court time, only reintroducing Buchi and Daramola in the final three minutes as the Falcons edged the fourth quarter, 14-11.
Odaudu remarked, “By the end of the third quarter the game was almost over…I wanted to see how well the new faces would do. I think they held their own, put a lot of pressure on the ball and ran the lanes very well.”
Beyond Idoga’s standout 18 points, Komene (11) and Sani (10) also reached double figures, while Koko Anthony and Daramola added 9 points each, capping off a team effort that pleased Odaudu.
Rivers Hoopers and Kwara Falcons will meet again in Port Harcourt at 4pm on Wednesday, September 3, for the return match.
Rivers Hoopers have started their NBPL defense strongly, demonstrating the depth and experience to challenge for a historic three-peat.
