By Omuboye Sukubo
Port Harcourt – Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club seven unbeaten game run was on Thursday halted by Atlantic Conference rivals, Kwara Falcons in 74-70 points lose in Ilorin.
Emmanuel Balogun scored 18 points, Solomon Ajegbeyi added 15 points while Ikechukwu Benjamin finished with 12 points as Hoopers sustained their third loss to Falcons this season 3-1, a statement by Queen John, Hoopers media officer, said.
It said that the Port Harcourt team failed in their attempt to become the first side to beat Falcons on home court this season despite their flying start during the game.
“The KingsMen put up a better performance than they did in the last two games against the Ilorin based team.
“Kwara Falcons got back their rhythm in the second quarter equaling the points twice. Both sides were tied six different times at one point or the other in the game.
“The host who were outscored in the first quarter (12-18) came out blazing in the second half and had the solution to everything thrown at them by Hoopers,” the statement said.
The Falcons, however, stretched the lead with 1:11 seconds remaining and eventually ended the third quarter (60-49).
“With 3:09 left on the clock, Hoopers made a 4-0 run to reduce the deficit to one point (66-65).
“It was indeed a tough battle in the last 60 seconds which recorded a lead change and the game tied twice,” it added.
It stated that Ikechukwu made a layup that tied the game at 70 with 42 seconds left but was later awarded a foul and that made the big difference for the host to capitalize on.
“All plans to secure victory were dashed as the host made four points, including a pair of free throws with less than nine seconds to go and Falcons rallied for a victory,” it said.
Hoopers Coach, Ogoh Odaudu was impressed with his team’s performance despite losing to Falcons.
“I can categorically tell you that I was impressed with how they played; they came out with the kind of defensive intensity that I have never seen before this season.
“It shows that we are really making progress towards the final six. Win or lose, our position in the regular season doesn’t matter, what matter`s is how we perform in the final 6.
“They did a good job and I hope this continues from now on,” Odaudu said.
Hoopers will play against Oluyole Warriors on July 29 in Ibadan. (NAN)