Hoops N’ Read end five-game losing run

Hoops N’ Read end five-game losing run

... Edge Lagos Raptors in NPBL Final 8 thriller

Hoops N’ Read finally found their winning touch at the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final 8 Playoffs on Friday September 4, 2026, battling past Lagos Raptors 64-60 to end a frustrating five-game losing streak in Port Harcourt.

The Lagos-based side, who had struggled to make an impact in their opening games of the playoffs, produced their most determined performance of the competition to secure their first victory and give themselves a much-needed confidence boost heading into their final game.

It was a game of momentum swings, with neither side able to establish lasting control.

Hoops N’ Read made the brighter start, taking the first quarter 20-14, but Lagos Raptors responded emphatically in the second period, outscoring their opponents 19-8 to overturn the deficit and take a 33-28 lead into the halftime break.

The game changed complexion after the restart as Francis Anekwe and his teammates stepped up their intensity.

Hoops N’ Read won the third quarter 22-16 to reclaim the advantage at 50-49, setting up a tense final period.

With the game finely poised, Hoops N’ Read kept their composure when it mattered most, edging the fourth quarter 14-11 to complete a hard-fought 64-60 victory.

Anekwe was at the heart of the breakthrough, delivering an impressive all-round performance with 20 points, three assists and two rebounds in 35 minutes.

Oparaugu Ikechukwu also made a significant contribution, finishing with 18 points, as Hoops N’ Read held off the Raptors in the closing stages.

For Lagos Raptors, Bello Boluwatobiloba led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

For Hoops N’ Read Head Coach Emeka Oputa, the victory was more than just another result, it was an important response from a team that had endured a difficult run.

“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.

Despite the breakthrough, Oputa was quick to stress that the victory did not mask the areas that still require attention.

“However, 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.”

The coach also praised his players for remaining committed despite the string of defeats that preceded Friday’s victory.

“The boys never gave up. They continued to work hard in training, and this result is a reward for their commitment. We want to build on this performance,” he added.

Anekwe, whose 20-point effort helped drive the comeback, attributed the victory to the team’s collective determination.

“We knew we had to fight because we were tired of losing. We came into this game with the mindset that we must give everything on the court,” Anekwe said.

“The team believed in each other, and when we stayed focused, we were able to get the result. This win gives us confidence going into our next game.”

The victory gives Hoops N’ Read something positive to take into their final assignment of the Final 8, where they will face Kano Pillars.

With the pressure of ending their losing streak now lifted, Oputa’s side will be looking to finish the playoffs strongly and build on the character they showed against the Raptors.

Meanwhile, the Final 4 lineup was completed on Friday, with Gboko City Chiefs and ASO Skyhawks joining hosts Rivers Hoopers and defending champions Maktown Flyers in the semifinals.

Gboko City Chiefs defeated Kano Pillars 87-72 to secure third place, while ASO Skyhawks booked the fourth and final ticket with a commanding 106-79 victory over 313 Warriors.

In the day’s headline clash, Rivers Hoopers avenged last year’s final defeat to Maktown Flyers, beating the defending champions 79-70 to finish top of the standings with 12 points.