Rivers Hoopers were beaten 57-68 points by eventual Conference Champions Kwara Falcons last Sunday, in Ilorin.
Solomon Ajegebyi made 17 points and 6 rebounds in a game that recorded individual errors that would have made a great difference for the KingsMen.
Ajegbeyi was the biggest culprit missing back to back layups in the fourth quarter with two minutes left on the clock. Hoopers would have reduced the 7 points deficit (55-62) if these baskets had been made.
The kingsMen were outrebounded by Falcons (35-49) and made 6/12 of their free throws and 3 of 24 from the arc.
Godwin David who continued his impressive form like in previous games, contributed 21 points and 7 rebounds while Mojuba Oyeleye added 10 points for Kwara Falcons.
After the game, Rivers Hoopers described the loss as a “painful one”.
“It’s painful but it’s more painful because it’s not a game we should have lost. Even if we had lost, not by this margin because it’s a game we should have won due to some factors. Those factors stepped in and destabilized the team,” said Odaudu.
On his part, Kwara Falcons coach, Adewunmi Aderemi, attributed their win to luck on his side.
“We thank God for the victory, we played against a good team and we were lucky to run away with the victory. We will go back and make corrections on the mistakes we made in the Conference six playoffs,” said Aderemi.
For the final eight groupings, Kano Pillars, Rivers Hoopers, Nigeria Customs and Gombe Bulls have been paired in Group A while Group B has Kwara Falcons, Niger Potters, Hoops & Read and Plateau Peaks.
The final eight will take place in Kano between September 4 and 9.