Rivers Hoopers of Port Harcourt on Friday beat Spintex Knights of Ghana 71-66 to book their spot in the finals of the Louis Edem Basketball Championships.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was a thrilling encounter that made both teams work tirelessly to dominate the ball.
Rivers Hoopers, with the larger support of fans in the hall, played with a great deal of forcefulness and determination to impress their fans.
However, it was Spintex Knights that proved their mettle as they dominated the first quarter of the game, recording a 25-14 lead over Rivers Hoopers to send a strong signal of their intentions.
Realising the situation could get worse, Rivers Hoopers soon woke up from their slumber and became more aggressive in their attacking and defensive play.
Their physical play pushed Spintex Knights to the edge, and the Ghanaian team succumbed to their physical powers in the second, third, and final quarters of the game.
Rivers Hoopers recorded 20-13, 21-16, and 16-12 to seize the day and advance to the final.
Rivers Hoopers will play ASPAC of Benin Republic, who thrashed Police Batons of Lagos 70-33.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Dolphins of Nigeria beat Energy Cotonou of Benin Republic 48-33 to advance to the final of the competition.
Dolphins of Nigeria will play Calabar Angels of Nigeria, who thrashed Elan Coton of Benin Republic 70-49. (NAN)
