Defending champions Rivers Hoopers clinched the Atlantic Conference title with a nail-biting 80-78 victory over Hoops and Read on Saturday in Benin, wrapping up the conference unbeaten.
Four Hoopers players scored in double figures: Johnson Anaiye led with 13 points, Michael Okiki followed with 12, while Patrick Abah and Ifeanyi Koko chipped in 10 points each. Abah and Koko were both strong from long range, each hitting two of their three-point attempts (2/3).
Anaiye was reliable at the free-throw line, making 8 of 12 attempts, while team captain Victor Koko and vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu each pulled down six rebounds, adding defensive strength on the boards.
The Hoopers established an early lead, going up 20-10 with two minutes left in the first quarter, but Hoops and Read closed the gap with a 7-0 run, finishing the period just two points behind.
Overall, Rivers Hoopers shot 7-of-27 from three-point range and converted 21-of-27 from the foul line. They also outrebounded their opponents 31-28, gaining the edge on the glass.
Former Hoopers players Michael Oriakhi and Bolaji Emilagba were standout performers for Hoops and Read, combining for 28 points and driving a 25-20 fourth-quarter rally. Emilagba hit a critical three-pointer with 18 seconds left, narrowing the score to 79-78.
After a timeout by the Hoopers’ head coach Ogoh Odaudu, Okiki was fouled and made one of his two free throws, pushing the Hoopers’ lead to 80-78. Koko then secured a key rebound in the final seconds, allowing Rivers Hoopers to hold onto their seventh consecutive win in the Atlantic Conference.
The team now returns to Port Harcourt to prepare for the Final Eight tournament, scheduled for November 13-19 at a yet-to-be-determined venue.
