*In-form Managor spearheads Hoopers’ rebound, beat Kwara Falcons in Ilorin.
*Hoopers Inflict first home loss on their hosts.
Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club on Saturday evening put an end to Kwara Falcons’ winning streak on home court by inflicting a 58-60 points defeat on the Atlantic Conference leaders at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin.
Somtochukwu Managor continued his rich vein of form as he made 16 points and 5 rebounds. Idikiebuma Ogan had 14 points and 5 rebounds while Ronald Alalibo added 13 points and 3 rebounds.
Hoopers got off to a good start in the opening quarter with 10-0 lead but were made to work hard to maintain the lead going into the second quarter (11-15).
The Port Harcourt side however re-strategized at half time, taking full charge of the third quarter by dominating play both in defence and offence scoring a total of 19 points but still headed into the final quarter with a point deficit to the Falcons.
The fourth quarter was one to remember with many pulsating moments from the two opposing ends as scores were even with less than 5 minutes on the clock (49-49). The quarter also recorded a super dunk by Managor which was followed up after an offensive rebound. The contest was effectively decided in a devastating period of Hoopers dominance which began late in the quarter with Alalibo’s brilliant contribution with two mins left on the clock making sure Hoopers recovered from Friday’s loss and condemn their hosts to only their second defeat of the campaign in the final match of the regular season with Rivers Hoopers responsible for both Falcons reversals, one apiece at home and away.
Atlantic Conference finals kicks off from June 6-11, while final 8 play offs will be played from 20-25 June . All 5 teams from the Conference will head to the play offs for a place in the last four.
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