Rivers Hoopers maintained home dominance

Rivers Hoopers retained their leadership status on the Atlantic Conference Log with an 84-68 points victory over Delta Force in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Belema Alamina ignited the offense with 17 points and 5 rebounds while Emmanuel Balogun added 16 points and 2 rebounds in a game watched by a near-full capacity auditorium, including one of Port Harcourt’s finest artiste, Bukwild.

Alamina had a sensational game notching up 2 blocks. He showed incredible plays, and still made baskets while fallen on the floor. The mechanical engineer made 71.4 % of his shots, missing 5 of 12 free throws in the game. Meanwhile, Balogun made just 2 of 5 of his 3 points shot, scoring 100% of his free throws.

Hoopers had a better game in the first half which they led by 16 points going to the break, but could not keep up the sparks thereafter. One would have expected the visitors to capitalise on the low potent half, but the Asaba based side appeared satisfied with the result.

Oyebamiji Ibrahim scored 12 points while former Hoopers forward, Benedict Onovughakpo contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for Delta Force. His double-double rarely threatened the KingsMen who had little to do in a game their opponent committed 30 turnovers.

Delta Force coach, Brodrick Peter said Hoopers performed below his expectation but he relishes every game played in Port Harcourt by his team.

“I didn’t get 100% from them. They were little bit down and out but they came back because they are a more experienced side.”

“This is my home anytime I come to Port Harcourt I believe I am going to get the best from the Port Harcourt team and fans and we play here like we play at home. We are comfortable in Port Harcourt than any other place," he revealed.

Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu was not satisfied with his team’s display in the second half but remains hopeful the mistakes will be corrected before the play off season which begins on August 14.

“My boys took their feet off the pedal all through the second half. I was not impressed with their performance in the third and fourth quarter. We are still in the regular season and the play off season is weeks away so we will do all our best to correct out mistakes before then, “he assured.

The game marks an end to the third round of the Kwese Premier Basketball League. The final round of the regular season tips off on Saturday July 15 with a game against Delta Force in Asaba.