Rivers Hoopers end Maktown Flyers unbeaten run
Six-time Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers produced a stunning second-half performance to defeat reigning champions Maktown Flyers 74-61 in Game Six of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Two, handing the title holders their first defeat of the season.
The KingsMen overturned a four-point halftime deficit with a commanding 26-8 third-quarter surge on Thursday at the Indoor Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, seizing control of the contest before cruising to a convincing 13-point victory.
The result also served as sweet revenge for Rivers Hoopers, who were edged by just two points by Maktown Flyers in the 2025 NPBL Finals. It was the first meeting between the two sides since that title-deciding encounter.
After struggling offensively in the opening half, Rivers Hoopers emerged from the break with renewed intensity, overwhelming the defending champions on both ends of the floor and maintaining their advantage for the remainder of the game.
"We had to go back to the drawing board," said Hoopers guard Duro-Ladipo Olatoye, who scored 12 points. "We understood that yesterday was just one of those games where we weren't making our shots, so we came out hot today, and it worked for us."
John Idoga paced the Hoopers with a game-high 17 points, while Abel Offia added 11 points and Victor Sunday chipped in with 10.
Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo credited the team's disciplined response after halftime for the turnaround.
"During the first-half break, I instructed the players to stick to our structure and style of play," Alalibo said. "They stayed committed to the plan, and it worked.
"We tried our best to push ourselves because we're fatigued both physically and mentally, and it's affecting the players' movement and decision-making. It's not easy playing back-to-back games with such intensity."
Rivers Hoopers will wrap up their Phase Two campaign on Friday against Lagos Raptors, a side they have beaten twice already this season. Their most recent meeting ended in a dramatic 77-76 victory for the KingsMen during Phase One in Ibadan, sealed by two free throws in the final second.
Olatoye, who featured in that thrilling finish, believes both teams will have to manage the physical demands of the tournament.
"Everyone has played the same number of games here in Enugu, so fatigue will be an issue for both sides," he said. "But having met this opponent before, we've spoken about the game and hope to come out victorious."
Despite his side's unbeaten record against the Raptors this season, Alalibo insists there will be no room for complacency.
"We'll approach the game with the same mentality, trying to correct our mistakes and give nothing away," he said. "Knowing that we only beat them narrowly during our last meeting in Ibadan, we don't want to take any chances. We will try to get our acts together and close out the game early."
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