Defending champions, Rivers Hoopers started their title defense with an 87-39 win over south-south rivals, Delta Force on Sunday 27th of October, 2024 in Benin.
Hoopers started strong with a 27-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and further extended it to 48-17 over Delta Force, who struggled from both ends of the floor.
The second quarter was no different as the KingsMen continued to annihilate their opponents from Asaba.
Ifeanyi Koko scored 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals to go with it. Koko also shot 3-of-3 from behind the arc and 1/3 from the line.
MVP of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Abel Offia added 15 points, 4 assists, and knocked down two-threes in the game, while Patrick Abah shot 10 points and 4 rebounds and went 100 per cent from the foul line.
On his league debut, Samuel was a delight to watch in front of the Edo fans who came to watch. The former High Flyers of Benin center player had 11 points from 5-6 FG, which included three dunks in the game. Sani added 4 rebounds and made 1/2 from the line.
It was also another great debut for Victor Sunday, who shot 8 points on 4-4 shooting, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds from the bench.
Buchi Nwaiwu and Victor Mohammed both contributed from the boards with 8 and 10 rebounds made, respectively.
The KingsMen will play Oluyole Warriors in their next game on Monday at 10:30 a.m.
