Rivers Hoopers continued their unbeaten run in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Playoffs with a composed 77-61 victory over 313 Warriors on Day Five, combining contributions across the roster with intelligent rotations.
313 Warriors made the stronger start, racing into a 7-0 lead and moving 10-2 ahead inside the opening five minutes. The KingsMen responded with 10 straight points to go in front 12-10, but the Warriors recovered to take the first quarter 18-17.
The six-time Nigerian champions took command in the second quarter. Hoopers led 29-25 midway through the period before closing it with an 11-4 surge, establishing a 40-29 advantage at the interval.
Rivers Hoopers’ aggressive defence forced 313 Warriors into 18 turnovers, which produced 21 points for the winners. The KingsMen continued to build their lead after half-time, taking the third quarter 21-17 before managing the game effectively to secure the result.
“I liked the way the team performed,” Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu said. “We did not place unnecessary pressure on ourselves and kept things simple. We wanted to preserve fresh legs for tomorrow, so there was no need to overdo it. When we had control, we understood that slowing the game down was the right approach, and that is what we did.”
Abel Offia topped the scoring charts with 15 points, three rebounds and three steals. Vice-captain Onyebuchi Nwaiwu recorded 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while substitute Chinedu Nwaogu made an important contribution with 10 points. Nikolaos Okekuoyen and Peter Olisemeka each scored nine, and Anaiye Johnson added eight in a collective offensive display.
Offia said the Hoopers’ preparation away from the court and their strong understanding of one another had played a major role in their unbeaten campaign. “We spend time before each game studying the opposition and identifying their strengths,” he said. “Then we discuss it together, while the coach helps us with our movement and reminds us to play for one another. I believe that is a big reason things have gone well.”
Rivers Hoopers now turn to a crucial Day Six meeting with defending champions Maktown Flyers, who have also won all five of their playoff games. Odaudu believes the contest will demand an even higher level of tactical precision.
“Discipline — we need plenty of discipline,” Odaudu said of his demands for Friday’s headline fixture. “The players must execute properly, and we have to run the ball more. Teams are causing us problems on the offensive glass because our box-outs have not been good enough. If we restrict them to a single attempt on each possession, we will be in a good position.”
Kano Pillars vs Hoops & Read — 12pm
Gboko City Chiefs vs Lagos Raptors — 2pm
Aso Sky Hawks vs 313 Warriors — 4pm
Every game will take place at the Basketball Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.
