By Queen John
The Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final-4 Playoffs began on Sunday, September 20, with Gboko City Chiefs and Rivers Hoopers starting their title chase with wins in Port Harcourt.
The Chiefs won by just a point, 74-73, fending off resilient, reigning champions, Maktown Flyers. Rivers Hoopers got revenge against Aso Sky Hawks, winning 74-60.
The opening game saw Gboko City Chiefs take a 23-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Maktown tried to get back into the game, cutting the deficit to 24-20. Flyers capitalised on fast breaks to claw their way back in, scoring 10 points off them, but still found themselves trailing at the break, 35-29.
Maktown Flyers looked a shadow of themselves in the first three quarters. 60-45 Gboko led at the end of the third quarter. Just when it looked like Gboko had it under control, missed shots and turnovers saw them capitulate as Adekoya Jawad of Maktown hit a three to make it 67-64 and put the Flyers back in it.
Nevertheless, Marcus Thomas Jr., who was not having a game of his standard, chucked in a 3, taking the game to 71-70 with 1 minute on the clock. Augustine Richard made a clutch two-point shot despite falling to the ground, keeping the Chiefs ahead 73-70 with 21 seconds left. With 14.8 seconds left on the clock, Abah’s 3-point shot failed. Gboko got possession, and every attempt at a play was met with a foul, which eventually sent Marcus to the free-throw line, and he sank one. With six seconds left, Keita shot a three, taking the game back to a one-point game. Dike was then sent to the line for two but missed both; nonetheless, it was Gboko who went away with a 74-73 win.
Going up against Coach Mike Ikima who he served as assistant to just last season, Habib Afodun, now coach of Maktown Flyers, came out victorious despite the late resurgence from his former side.
Bright Akhutie was very instrumental as the Chiefs tried to hold on for the win, getting buckets from under the basket. Marcus Thomas Jr. and Oliver Hampton led the way in scoring for the Chiefs with 20 and 16 points, respectively. Okpegba’s rebounding (12) proved pivotal, as he added 10 points – the only Gboko City Chiefs player with a double-double.
For the second game of the day, hosts Rivers Hoopers were eager to begin the final four on a high and get revenge while at it. Having lost 67-74 to Aso Sky Hawks on the last day of the final 8, the Hoopers knew the debutants were going to be anything but pushovers.
Aso Sky Hawks began the game on a strong note and ended up with a two-point lead after 5 minutes, but it was Rivers Hoopers who took a 22-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, Hoopers led 39-28 in what was a physical and feisty encounter.
With the debutants looking for ways to get back into the game, it was Rivers Hoopers who dug into their bench, which added 25 points, to maintain the lead. Hoopers also had key steals in the encounter, with 12. At the sound of the final whistle, Hoopers won 74-60.
Abel Offia was exceptional, shooting back-to-back threes, finishing with a game-high 28 points. Samuel Sani was also a standout, getting the rebounds and put-backs.
Day two will see a clash of two sides in search of their first win go head-to-head as Maktown Flyers take on Aso Sky Hawks by 3pm. Rivers Hoopers will then do battle with Gboko City Chiefs as both sides look to build on a winning note.
Photo: Abel Offia of Rivers Hoopers
