By Joe Apu
The Crown Elite Basketball Championship is in the semi final stage with Rivers Hoopers set to do battle with Lagos Islanders courtesy of a 76-60 victory over Warriors Academy on Thursday.
The Port Harcourt based side had it tough against the Warriors who had little to play for after they lost their first two Group B games.
For the third game in a row, Hoopers started the game slowly and had a 9-point deficit with 21 seconds left in the second quarter.
It took Coach Ogoh Odaudu’s timeout to break the Warriors’ momentum.
Anthony Koko shot a 3-pointer while Buchi Nwaiwu made a driving layup to cut the gap to 4 before half time (29-33).
The KingsMen took a 6-0 run in the last 2 minutes of the third quarter to lead (54-46).
With 1:50 remaining on the clock, Hoopers stretched the lead to 10 points (70-60). A 6-0 run by the Kings ensured they emerged victorious.
Rivers Hoopers will face Lagos Islanders while Legends faces UNILAG in the semi-finals on today.