Rivers Hoopers maintained their pristine record in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Playoffs on Thursday, relying on balanced scoring and sharp tactical rotation to cruise past 313 Warriors 77-61 on Day Five.
The 313 Warriors came out swinging, opening the contest on a 7-0 run and extending their advantage to 10-2 within the first five minutes. However, the KingsMen answered immediately with 10 unanswered points to briefly snatch a 12-10 lead, though the Warriors edged the opening frame 18-17.
The six-time Nigerian champions seized full control in the second period. After holding a narrow 29-25 edge midway through the quarter, the Hoopers executed an 11-4 run over the final five minutes to carry an 11-point lead (40-29) into the halftime break.
The Hoopers’ relentless defensive pressure proved decisive, forcing 18 turnovers from the Warriors and converting those mistakes into 21 points. The KingsMen continued to pad their cushion through the second half, outscoring 313 Warriors 21-17 in the third quarter before efficiently locking down the victory.
“I was happy with the way they played,” Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu said after the win. “We didn’t put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We kept the game easy. We wanted to get fresh legs ahead of tomorrow, so we didn’t try to do too much. Once the game was in control, we knew all we had to do was slow down. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Abel Offia led all scorers with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals, while vice-captain Onyebuchi Nwaiwu added 14 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists. Chinedu Nwaogu provided a key boost off the bench with 10 points, while Nikolaos Okekuoyen and Peter Olisemeka chipped in 9 points each. Anaiye Johnson also scored 8 points in a well-distributed team performance.
Offia credited off-court preparation and chemistry for the team’s ongoing success. “Before the game, we take time to analyze our opponents and see what they bring,” Offia said. “We talk about it as a team, with our coach guiding us on movement and playing for each other. I think that’s what is helping us so far.”
The Hoopers shift their attention to a high-stakes Day Six clash against defending champions, Maktown Flyers are also unbeaten after five playoff games, and coach Odaudu expects elevated tactical execution.
“Discipline. A lot of discipline,” Odaudu stated regarding his expectations for Friday’s marquee matchup. “I want them to execute well. We need to push the ball a lot more. Opponents are hurting us on the offensive boards because we are not boxing out properly… Once we can limit them to one shot per possession, we will be fine.”
Other Day Six fixtures include
Kano Pillars vs Hoops & Read (12pm)
Gboko City Chiefs vs Lagos Raptors (2pm)
Aso Sky Hawks vs 313 Warriors (4pm)
