Hoops N’ Read end five-game losing run, edge Lagos Raptors in NPBL Final 8 thriller

Posted : 06 September 2026

Hoops N’ Read finally ended their frustrating run of defeats at the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final 8 after edging Lagos Raptors 64-60 in a closely fought encounter in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The victory provided a much-needed lift for the Lagos-based side, who had lost their previous five games and were under pressure to produce a response before the conclusion of the playoffs.

Hoops N’ Read appeared determined from the opening tip, taking the first quarter 20-14, but the advantage disappeared in the second period as Lagos Raptors produced a strong response to lead 33-28 at halftime.

The game remained finely balanced after the restart, with Hoops N’ Read finding another gear to win the third quarter 22-16 and regain the lead at 50-49.

They then maintained their composure in the decisive final quarter, edging the Raptors 14-11 to secure the four-point victory.

Francis Anekwe was instrumental in the breakthrough, leading Hoops N’ Read with 20 points, three assists and two rebounds in 35 minutes, while Oparaugu Ikechukwu added 18 points.

For Lagos Raptors, Bello Boluwatobiloba delivered an all-round effort of 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but his contribution was not enough to prevent the narrow defeat.

Hoops N’ Read head coach Emeka Oputa described the victory as an important confidence boost after a difficult spell.

“This win means a lot to us because we have gone through a difficult period in this competition. The players needed this confidence, and today they showed character,” Oputa said.

The coach, however, warned that the result would only be meaningful if his players could build on it.

“We still have a lot of work to do in the team. We need to improve our consistency, especially in managing games better and executing our plans under pressure,” he added.

Anekwe also credited the team's collective effort for the victory, saying the players approached the contest determined to end their losing streak.

The result gives Hoops N’ Read renewed confidence ahead of their final Final 8 assignment against Kano Pillars, where they will attempt to close the competition on another positive note.

Final 4 places confirmed

Meanwhile, the Final 4 lineup has been completed, with Gboko City Chiefs and ASO Skyhawks joining hosts Rivers Hoopers and defending champions Maktown Flyers in the semi-finals.

Gboko City Chiefs booked their place after defeating Kano Pillars 87-72, while ASO Skyhawks secured the fourth ticket with a commanding 106-79 victory over 313 Warriors.

In the day's headline encounter, hosts Rivers Hoopers defeated defending champions Maktown Flyers 79-70 to finish top of the Final 8 standings on 12 points.

The victory also avenged Rivers Hoopers' defeat to Maktown Flyers in last year's final and sets up an intriguing semi-final stage as the playoffs enter their decisive phase.

Hoops N’ Read end five-game losing run, edge Lagos Raptors in NPBL Final 8 thriller

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