RIVERS HOOPERS OVERCOME RAPTORS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE VICTORY AT 2026 NPBL PLAYOFFS

After an even 15-15 first quarter in which the Raptors struggled against the KingsMen, the home team took control of the game by outscoring the Raptors 20-9 in the second period and taking a double-digit lead into halftime. Rivers Hoopers continued to widen the gap with a 21-11 third quarter before surging past the final frame for a well-deserved 19-point win.

Speaking after the match, Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu insisted that winning was all that mattered.

“We won the game; that was our intention. We don’t care if we won with twenty or with one. All we wanted to do was just win one game, and we did that,” Odaudu said after the game. “It’s gone very well so far. All the matches are really difficult. There hasn’t been any easy match so far.”

Monday’s clash marked the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. The Rivers Hoopers had already defeated the Raptors twice in Phase One, including a 75-59 blowout and a tight 77-76 comeback victory, before dropping a 71-64 decision in Phase Two after already clinching a playoff berth.

Despite shooting in bursts from long range – making 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 stripe, connecting on 77.8 percent of their free throws (14 of 18).

Vice-captain Onyebuchi Nwaiwu anchored the Hoopers on both ends of the court, posting a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Abel Offia scored 10 points along with 4 steals, while Victor Sunday recorded 7 points and 7 rebounds. Center Peter Olisemeka just missed his second straight double-double, finishing with just one point and one rebound.

The Hoopers’ bench contributed 40 of the team’s 69 points.

Looking ahead to day three, the Hoopers take on Hoops & Read on Tuesday at 6pm, with Odaudu providing a big surprise.

“We will also have a surprise tomorrow because we were waiting for our point guard who had just arrived in the country,” added Odaudu. “Unfortunately he couldn’t make it here [today]… But of course tomorrow morning we will have the detailed solution and tomorrow we will have him dressed for us too.

The Rivers Hoopers have a 2-1 advantage in three meetings with Hoops & Read this season, including a dominant 84-58 win over Hoops & Read during the first game of the season and a 68-52 win during Phase Two action.

The other matches on the third day of the 2026 NPBL playoffs are as follows;

Maktown Flyers-Lagos Raptors (12:00)

313 Warriors vs Gboko City Chiefs (2pm)

Aso Sky Hawks – Kano Pillars (4pm)

All matches will be played at the Basket Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Municipality, Rivers State.