CDS Basketball Tourney: Rivers Hoopers Book Quarterfinal Ticket

CDS Basketball Tourney: Rivers Hoopers Book Quarterfinal Ticket

Ibrahim Lateef 

Rivers Hoopers have booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Basketball Championship after their 55-50 victory over Bauchi Nets at the Mo Arena on Thursday, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The Ogoh Odaudu-led team began the game with back-to-back three-pointers, finishing the first quarter with a one-point lead of 13-12. The second quarter was a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to score. However, the Hoopers managed to take a three-point lead (22-19) going into halftime. Rivers Hoopers' head coach, Ogoh Odaudu, expressed disappointment in his team's performance, citing a lack of aggression against the Nets. Reflecting on their wins against City Chiefs and Bauchi Nets, Odaudu stated, "We performed poorly in both games, but considering we haven't played competitive basketball since the Basketball Africa League, I wasn't expecting much more. We will continue working hard to improve." Despite being down by five points with two minutes remaining, the KingsMen rallied to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Odaudu emphasized the significance of the tournament as a practice session ahead of the upcoming league, stating, "It's a great tournament, and we are using it to gauge our capabilities. It provides valuable practice for us before the league later this month." Drawing comparisons between their opening games on Wednesday and Thursday, Odaudu acknowledged, "We didn't perform well today; yesterday's game presented a more experienced challenge than today's match. Our lack of aggression was evident today." The Hoopers boss outlined his dual objectives for the CDS tournament, aiming to assess the team's readiness and secure the prize money. He added, "Our goal is to evaluate our team, prepare for the league, and win the tournament prize money. While every team aims to win, our target is a podium finish." Rivers Hoopers will face Gilali in their final group game on Friday.