After an even 15-15 opening quarter during which Raptors took the fight to the KingsMen, the hosts took control of the contest by outscoring the Raptors 20-9 in the second period to carry a double-digit lead into halftime. Rivers Hoopers continued to stretch the gap with a 21-11 third quarter before cruising through the final frame for a deserved 19-point victory.
Speaking after the game, Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu insisted that winning was all that mattered.
“We won the game; that was our intention. We don’t care whether we won by twenty or by one. All we wanted to do was just win one game, and we have done just that,” Odaudu said after the match. “So far it’s been very good. All the games are really difficult. There’s been no easy game so far.”
Monday’s clash marked the fourth meeting between the two sides this season. Rivers Hoopers previously defeated the Raptors twice in Phase One—including a 75-59 blowout and a tight 77-76 comeback win—before dropping a 71-64 decision in Phase Two after having already sealed their playoff berth.
Despite shooting cold from long range—converting just 5 of 29 attempts from beyond the arc—the Hoopers dominated inside, scoring 32 points in the paint, and also capitalized from the charity line, connecting on 77.8% of their free throws (14 of 18).
Vice-captain Onyebuchi Nwaiwu anchored the Hoopers on both ends of the floor, posting a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Abel Offia chipped in 10 points alongside 4 steals, while Victor Sunday registered 7 points and 7 boards. Center Peter Olisemeka narrowly missed out on a second consecutive double-double, finishing just one point and one rebound short.
The Hoopers’ bench contributed 40 of the team’s 69 points.
Looking ahead to Day Three, the Hoopers will face Hoops & Read by 6pm on Tuesday, with Odaudu teasing a big surprise.
“Tomorrow we are going to have a surprise too because we were expecting our point guard who just arrived in the country,” Odaudu added. “Unfortunately he couldn’t make it here [today]… But of course we are going to have the walkthrough tomorrow morning and we are going to have him suit up for us tomorrow too.”
Rivers Hoopers hold a 2-1 advantage from three meetings with Hoops & Read this season, including a dominant 84-58 victory over Hoops & Read during their first game of the season and a 68-52 victory during Phase Two action.
Other 2026 NPBL Playoffs Day Three fixtures are as follows;
Maktown Flyers vs Lagos Raptors (12pm)
313 Warriors vs Gboko City Chiefs (2pm)
Aso Sky Hawks vs Kano Pillars (4pm)
All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.
