Rivers Hoopers have emerged champions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Day Basketball Championship after their 72-59 win over City Chiefs at the Mo Arena on Sunday.
It is the second time in five days the KingsMen have beaten the Titled Men at the CDS Championship in Abuja and the third time in almost a year.
Reigning Champions of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League defeated City Chiefs in the opening game of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final four in Port Harcourt last year.
Abel Offia, who was awarded the most valuable player, scored a game-high 20 points, shot 2-of-3 three-pointers, and went 6/6 from the free throw line.
New Rivers Hoopers recruit Patrick Abah added 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
The former City Chiefs forward had 70% field goals, including 2/3 three-pointers in 27 minutes while Buchi Nwaiwu helped defensively shooting 7 points and making 9 rebounds with 3 assists and 2 blocks to go with it
Hoopers had taken a 19-10 lead after the first quarter, but a slow start to the second quarter and missed baskets found their lead cut down to 2 at the break.
With two minutes left to play, Hoopers took advantage of consecutive turnovers made by Chiefs to score eight points and extend their lead to 13 points. Chiefs had little or no answer as the KingsMen ran the clock down to emerge champions.
Next for Rivers Hoopers is to return to Port Harcourt and prepare for the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Phase one in two weeks time in Benin, Edo State.
