Rivers Hoopers survive Coal City test, shift focus to Hoops & Read clash

Posted : 22 June 2026

Rivers Hoopers withstood a fierce challenge from hosts Coal City Blazers to record a hard-fought 74-62 victory on Day Two of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Two in Enugu.

The KingsMen showed resilience in a physical encounter, overturning a two-point halftime deficit before pulling away in the second half despite a tense altercation in the closing stages.

Trailing 35-33 at the break, Rivers Hoopers seized control after halftime with an outstanding defensive display, limiting the Blazers to just eight points in the third quarter while scoring 17 to open up a decisive lead.

Guards Victor Sunday and Anaiye Johnson inspired the turnaround with energetic ball-handling, aggressive penetration, and composed playmaking, while Samuel Sani and Buchi Vincent dominated inside the paint with key rebounds and timely baskets.

The contest briefly boiled over with just over a minute remaining after a hard foul on Sunday sparked a confrontation involving players from both teams.

Both head coaches entered the court during the incident and were assessed technical fouls before order was restored.

Despite the disruption, Rivers Hoopers maintained their composure to close out an important victory.

Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo praised his players for sticking to the game plan against an energetic home side.

"It was very physical, but it's something we anticipated given that the home team would come out fighting," Alalibo said.

"Based on our scouting report, we knew they were a team that hustles and fights to gain possession a lot, and we prepared accordingly."

Alalibo also highlighted the club's recruitment strategy, saying the squad was assembled to cope with different styles of play.

"We try as much as possible to recruit personnel that can feature in different aspects of the game. Technically, we noticed that other than shooting from range, we needed fighters who could also handle the ball well."

Commenting on the late-game confrontation, the coach urged players and officials to maintain discipline throughout the competition.

"Everybody wants to play, and naturally, with rising adrenaline levels, tempers begin to flare. But I just believe that if we can keep calm and not let the crowd disrupt the game, everyone goes home safe, which is very important."

Rivers Hoopers now turn their attention to Monday's showdown against Hoops & Read in another crucial NPBL Phase Two fixture.

The two teams shared victories during the Atlantic Conference Phase One, with Rivers Hoopers winning the first meeting 84-58 before Hoops & Read claimed the return fixture 70-65.

Looking ahead, Alalibo stressed the importance of recovery ahead of another demanding contest.

"We'll try as much as possible to allow the players get enough rest because we know tomorrow's game will also be physical.

"We're here to compete, and with the personnel we have, we just have to step on the court and play better than we did today."

The hard-fought win over Coal City Blazers establishes positive momentum for the KingsMen as they progress through the grueling Phase Two schedule. With the highly anticipated rematch against Hoops & Read on the horizon, maintaining tactical discipline and physical recovery will remain central to their campaign goals. Securing consecutive victories in this phase will be crucial for positioning the squad firmly at the top of the national standings.

Rivers Hoopers survive Coal City test, shift focus to Hoops & Read clash

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