Rivers Hoopers dismantled arch rivals Kwara Falcons 83-56 in their second game of the Atlantic Conference 8 of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League on Tuesday in Akure.
Michael Oriakhi shot (14), Abel Offia (14) and Michael Daramola (12) all from the bench. For a second consecutive game, Offia scored four 3s out of 13 made by Hoopers in the game.
The KingsMen got off to an early lead, 11-4, but Falcons rallied back to tie the game 13-13 with 3:13 left in the first quarter. That was the last time the defending champions came close in the game.
With a 17-5 run at the start of the third quarter, Falcons found it difficult to find a rhythm on either end as Hoopers took advantage of their poor transition to up their lead to 23.
The defending champions were left helpless and could barely do much to turn the game around.
Oriakhi shot consecutive three pointers in the fourth to stretch the lead to 34 points.
”I am glad we took it all the way from the first quarter to the end of the game and I am glad we came out with two wins,” said Oriakhi.
”We came out to win and eventually we did . We came out strong because we are playing the defending champions of the league and we have to come out strong because we are Hoopers.
We know what we do best. We shoot the ball well and play good defense and that was what gave us the win today.”
The former Falcons guard knows what his former side is capable of, having played for them in the 2023 Basketball Africa League.
”Have played with them and I know their system and I know what they do. If you give this team the opportunity, they will make use of it and, playing today against them I knew I had to come out strong against the defending champions.”
Hoopers face Ebun Comets in their third game on Wednesday and Oriakhi believes they will get the win.
”We are coming out strong, same energy, same intensity and by God’s grace we will get the win.”
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
