Hoopers see off Oluyole Warriors as Ajegbeyi injury blow

Rivers Hoopers extended their dominance on home court beating Oluyole Warriors 73-59 on Saturday in the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Premier League.

Friday Haruna scored 12 points, added 6 rebounds with  4 assists. Ronald Alalibo followed up his brilliant display on Thursday adding 11 points and 3 rebounds while Emmanuel Balogun contributed 10 points and 2 rebounds.

Hoopers overcame a slow start equaling the points thrice in the first half (9-9) with 2:38 seconds remaining in the first quarter,  (11-11) 1:32 seconds left before taking it to another tie (18-18) with 5:37 seconds left to play in the second. 

Despite building a 10 point lead,  (28-18) with 1:43 seconds left to play in the second,  the KingsMen went the opposite direction  in the third getting sloppy with the ball and making numerous defensive mistakes.

 Disappointingly,  Solomon Ajegbeyi couldn't continue with 35 seconds remaining due to a twisted ankle after he was fouled on the base line.

 Hoopers however rallied round and dominated the final quarter while hoping they have their team mate back on his feet before the next game.

 Hoopers head coach, Ogoh odaudu is excited to win three straight games after losing his first game to Customs in Lagos.

 “It was the first game for us so there were lots of distractions. There were a lot of things we didn’t put right but it was an avenue to correct whatever we did not do well which we are doing right now. I am happy the loss came in our first game because every game is a learning process for us. When we resume practice on Monday, we are going to sit down and analyze this game(Warriors), look at the things we did not do right and work on them that’s how it’s going to be from now on , progress, progress.” said Odaudu.

 On his part, Oluyole Warriors coach, Taye Sobogun believes the better team won the tie.

 “The best team carried the day, the boys tried their best they fought back but the game went to other side. Before they come for the return leg we should have corrected what we lacked in the game and by then they will see a better team to play in Ibadan.” Sobogun explained.

 Hoopers will play host to NAF Rocket on Thursday before playing against Hoops &  Read on Saturday in Port Harcourt.