Rivers Hoopers on Saturday lost their second game of the DSTV Basketball League season by 65-71 at home to Delta Force in Port Harcourt.
Following their impressive win over their visitors on Friday, the Port Harcourt side were confident of another win on home court but were shocked by a brilliant defensive display by their opponent from Asaba.
It took some brilliance of the former champions to break down the defense of Delta Force as Hoopers led 14-8 in the first quarter but the second quarter was a cagey affair as Delta Force levelled the points 19-19 before opening up a 29-37 points lead against their hosts at half time.
Things went down the hill for Hoopers in the 3rd quarter as the team managed just 14 points which came mostly from free throws. Disappointingly, only 15 of the 33 free throws won in the entire game, got into the basket.
As expected, Hoopers Shooting guard Ronald Alalibo again proved his worth scoring two three-pointers en route a game high 18 points. Former Delta Force power forward, Somtochukwu Managor (11) and Hoopers point guard, Victor James (12) were the only Hoopers players who got double digits in the game.
The final quarter was a tensed game for Hoopers who fought hard to get back into the game but were made to do catch up all through by the resilient Delta side managing an additional 22points.
After the game, Hoopers coach, Ogoh Odaudu blamed the loss on complacency on the part of the players and management.
When asked why he felt his team lost to a team they overwhelmed 24 hours earlier, he sharply responded.
“One word, over confidence that’s just the basic line. We came and beat them silly by 28 points. They felt that we would come back and do the same thing but they failed to realise that basketball is played on the court and not on paper.”
Odaudu also made reference to one of their first two games in Lagos.
“I took them back to our first game in Lagos were the Custom team beat us in the first game and we came back and beat them by 14 points in the second game and I told them immediately that game ended yesterday, that because we beat them(Delta Force) with over 20points doesn’t mean we are coming back to beat them today. Go back home, rest, think about the game today and come out and play today but I think what I said fell on deaf ears, “said Odaudu.
The former Lagos Islanders coach believes the management of the team should take large part of the blame.
“Also on the part of management, we had our short comings. We didn’t organize the team enough like we should have done. Most of the blame should go on the management we should have handled the situation better. “Odaudu concluded.
Delta Force coach, Rodrick Peter expressed his delight to pick his first win away from home this season.
“An away win for any team is a big win am very happy and I know this is just the beginning we will pick more away games. The boys really made me proud they listened to instruction today unlike yesterday they were just playing to their own self but we did well we took one out of two the two games, “Peter said.
Peter disclosed his tactical input into the game which gave him the win over Hoopers.
“I only told my boys to play more on aggressive defense which we didn’t so yesterday most of their point came from the inside yesterday and from the 3 point line so we had to cut out the shots and force them to put the ball on the floor to penetrate and choke them.”
Hoopers will next play against Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan on Friday April 8 and Saturday 9 while Delta Force will be on the road to unbeaten Kwara Falcons.
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