Hosts Rivers Hoopers stood firm to beat arch rivals Gboko City Chiefs 66-61 on the opening day of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final 4 playoff in Port Harcourt on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Knowing fully well that this game may represent their stiffest test in a bid to attain a three-peat success, Hoopers fought from tip-off to the final shot of the game to secure a throughly deserved win in the end.
Peter Olisemeka produced arguably his best performance in Hoopers’ colour, providing 13 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Kingsmen to a crucial victory.
Ogoh Odaudu’s side led at the end of each quarter before producing a disciplined performance in the final quarter to seal a five-point win and give themselves a breather ahead of Saturday’s clash with Nigeria Customs.
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Victor Sunday added 10 points while Kelvin Amayo and Malik Miller added 9 points apiece for Rivers Hoopers who have now enjoyed back to back post-regular season wins over the Chiefs from Gboko.
Paul Dibal had a game high 18 points for the Chiefs and added ten rebounds but his performance was ultimately not enough to give his side victory.
In the day’s opening game, Lagos Legends staved off an attempted comeback by Nigeria Customs to record a 93-75 points win to put themselves in good stead ahead of their next two games against the final big guns.
Patrick Abah had a game high 19 points for Lagos Legends with team captain Bright Akuetie adding 15 points to aid his side’s impressive win. David Godwin topscored for Customs with 18 points while Oghenetega David and Favour Aboje added 17 and 15 points respectively for the Customs.
Lagos Legends will face Gboko City Chiefs in Day 2’s first game on Saturday before hosts and defending champions Rivers Hoopers face Nigeria Customs in the evening game. All matches are taking place at the Basketball Stadium in Niger, street, Port Harcourt.
