Rivers Hoopers on Wednesday lost their last group game to all conquering Kano Pillars 83-62 to finish runners up of Group B of the DSTV Basketball League Final 8 Play offs.
Ronald Alalibo scored 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist while Somtochukwu Managor added 11 points and 4 rebounds in a game that was purely academical with both teams having already qualified for the last four.
The Port Harcourt side had a better and competitive first half performance, taking the lead in the first quarter (16-15) but later lost the second quarter (31-36).
The second half of the game was, however, a one way traffic, as Pillars showed their level of experience blowing away Hoopers with their 3 point shots and forcing them to make a total of 31 turnovers in the entire game.
Thursday is being observed as rest day for the four semifinalists while the classification games will be on. On resumption of play on Friday, Rivers Hoopers will face Nigeria Customs for a place in the final of the 2015/2016 DSTV Basketball League.
After the game, Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu said he is proud of his team inspite of the loss to Pillars.
“Generally I think my boys did very well but experience started to count for Pillars in the second half and they wore us down quickly from the third quarter,”Odaudu explained.
He further added that, “We are going to do a lot of work in all aspects of our game ahead of our semifinal game against Customs on Friday. I am hopeful we will have a good game and hopefully get a continental spot back to Port Harcourt.”
On his part, Pillars coach Sanni Ahmed was excited with the victory over Hoopers.
“First of all I thank God for the victory and the players have played their hearts out and their morale is high because their allowances, salaries are paid when due. Every support needed is given by the state government and the executive chairman of the Kano sports commission. Also the team have been together for a long time and that’s why the consistency is in the team.”said Ahmed.
Full results
Group A
Plateau Peaks 52-62 Kwara Falcons
Customs 57-51 Niger Potters
Group B
Kano Pillars 83-62 Rivers Hoopers
Gombe Bulls 73-61 Oluyole Warriors
Semifinal pairings
Kano Pillars v Kwara Falcons
Rivers Hoopers v Nigeria Customs.
