Rivers Hoopers Eliminated from Basketball Africa League After Crushing Defeat to APR

Nigeria’s sole representative in the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL), Rivers Hoopers, have exited the tournament following a heavy 104-73 loss to Rwandan side APR in their quarter-final clash on Monday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Port Harcourt-based team, nicknamed “The KingsMen,” entered the knockout stages as the fourth seed but failed to meet expectations after also losing their opening seeding match 89-81 to Tunisia’s US Monastir. Needing a win to progress to the semi-finals, the Hoopers instead suffered their second consecutive defeat, failing to win a single quarter against a dominant APR side.

From the opening whistle, APR imposed their authority. They took the first quarter 24-11, converting 50% of their 16 field goal attempts, while Rivers Hoopers managed just 17.6% from 17 attempts and committed five turnovers.

The second quarter saw APR surge further ahead, outscoring the Nigerians 33-21. The Rwandan outfit posted an astonishing 93.3% field goal conversion rate from 15 attempts. In contrast, the Hoopers marginally improved their shooting volume but still lagged behind with a 38.1% success rate from 21 attempts.

Any hopes of a second-half comeback were dashed in the third quarter, which APR claimed 26-20. Although both teams attempted 18 field goals, APR remained clinical with a 61.1% success rate, compared to Hoopers’ 44.4%. Turnovers continued to plague the Nigerian side, with six committed in the third quarter alone.

The final quarter ended 21-21, but the damage had already been done. APR still outperformed Rivers Hoopers in shooting efficiency, converting 46.7% of their attempts compared to the Hoopers’ poor 26.3% from 19 shots.

APR’s dominant performance ensures their progression to the BAL semi-finals, as they continue their quest for continental glory. For Rivers Hoopers, the loss ends a campaign that promised much but ultimately fell short under the pressure of elite competition.

Victor Onuh

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