RONALD Alalibo scored a career high 27 points as Rivers Hoopers defeated Oluyole Warriors with an emphatic 81-63 points victory on Friday in Port Harcourt.
Alalibo took control as early as the first quarter with a brilliant solo performance, scoring 11 points and making two straight three pointers while Somto Managor drove to the basket with 0.03 seconds taking the lead 20-17 after an even first quarter.
The second quarter was however disappointing for Hoopers as the hosts relinquished their lead in 7:31 seconds, never regained it and only managed a meagre 9 points all through the quarter compared to the 17 points scored by Warriors.
With three straight shots from Victor James, steals and assists early in the third quarter followed by Idikibiebuma Ogan’s defensive rebounds, Hoopers who won their last two games at Delta Force in Asaba tied the game 38-38 in 7:43 secs. The Port Harcourt did not look back thereon and opened an unassailable lead with 29 points denying the visitors with brilliant defense before heading to the fourth with a ten point lead 58-48.The Odaudu Ogoh-led Hoopers side continued in the fourth from where they left off in the third blazing through their opponents from all corners and apart from Alalibo's five-star display, the Hoopers would fondly remember Somto Managor's emphatic dunk with less than 2 minutes left on the clock and Belema Alamina's three pointer with less than 5 seconds before the buzzer.
Head coach of Rivers Hoopers Ogoh Odaudu believes his side could have done better.
On his part, coach of Oluyole Warriors Taye Shobolu is optimistic his side would bounce back from Friday’s defeat.
Both teams square-up again on Saturday at No. 59, Niger Street, Port Harcourt as Hoopers bid for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the regular DSTV Basketball Premier League season.
