Rivers Hoopers coach attributes loss to tired legs

Rivers Hoopers lost their second game in Ibadan 90-82 in overtime to Oluyole Warriors at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.

Following their impressive performance on 24 hours earlier against the Warriors, Hoopers started with an early lead in the first two quarters in a game that saw both sides trying to break down each other’s defense with too many turnovers. The first quarter ended 17-20 in favour of the visitors while 17 points was later added in the second quarter of the game.

The Port Harcourt side won about 39 free throws but could only hit 27 out of them in the game. Unfortunately, the visitors fell victim to 30 turnovers which played a vital role in putting the game at over time for the second consecutive game.

With a 6 points lead from the third quarter (49-55), Victor Atisele almost gave Hoopers the win with a back to back 3 pointers but all that was cut short with 0:03seconds to go in the fourth quarter.

 The game was however decided in the last 5 minutes with the host scoring 3 three pointers and all free throws won in the last minutes of the tie.

Despite the loss, Ogan Idikibiebuma led the way with 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals, while Oba Tonye added 15 points ,5 rebounds and 2 assists and  Victor Atisele contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists while scoring three 3 pointers in the game.

After the game Hoopers coach, Ogoh Odaudu praised his boys despite the loss to Warriors.

"I had quite a number of players that played lots of minutes and when you get tired like that you are bound to break down a little. We committed some turn overs we are not supposed to and I won't say fatigue played out but we lost concentration," said Odaudu.

Warriors coach, Taye Shobodu in his own submission after the game said his team worked on their mistakes from the last game.

“The way we approached today’s game is different from the way we played yesterday. All our mistakes yesterday were talked about after the game and we arrested some of it today. Though we made few of the mistakes today, my boys gave good account of themselves, “said Shobodu.

He also explained the reason he lost Friday’s game to Hoopers.

“We lost narrowly due to inexperience of one of my players who fouled player from Hoopers and the two shots given away made us to lose the game yesterday.” Said Shobodu.

Rivers Hoopers will return home on Sunday and play hosts to unbeaten Kwara Falcons next weekend while Oluyole Warriors will travel to face Delta Force of Asaba.