Hoopers Survive Delta Force, Strengthen Play Off Position

An experienced Rivers Hoopers side left it late to defeat Delta Force 74-81 points in overtime at the weekend in Asaba.
Ikechukwu Benjamin scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals while Solomon Ajegbeyi added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.
Prior to the final round of regular season’s games which tipped off on Saturday, Hoopers had clinched the Conference’s top 6 playoffs after amassing a total of 39 points from 18-3. Irrespective of the outcomes from the 6 games remaining in the regular season, the Atlantic Conference leaders have no cause to worry having booked their place in this season’s Conference playoffs.
TheKingsMen wasted no time to stamp their authority on the home court of the Asaba side. They led the first quarter with an 8-1 run against Delta Force who were sluggish on the ball like they had little or no interest in the game. This however continued in the second quarter as they were limited to 19 points at the end of the second quarter (19-43).
Ajegbeyi who had experienced quiet games lately got his groove back and at the end of the first quarter, made 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. While Ikechukwu continued his impressive form scoring 8 of his 10 free throws and 5 of 8 proved decisive in overtime. Somtochuwkwu Muonagor who fell a point short of double figures (9 points) making four rebounds, stole the show in overtime converting 7/ 12 of his free throws.