Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers defeated AS Douanes, the winners of the previous season, 77-68, at the Dakar Arena on Saturday to start their 2024 Basketball African League campaign on a positive note.
Since their debut in 2021, this was their second win ever at the tournament for the Port Harcourt-based club.
Ogor Odaudu, Hoopers head coach, began the encounter with the quintet of Will Perry, Kelvin Amayo, Peter Olisemeka, Devine Eke, and John Wilkins.
AS Douanes proved their mettle as finalists at the last edition by asserting their dominance from the start and taking a commanding lead in the first quarter, ending it 23-18.
The second quarter saw a more balanced exchange, but the Hoopers, led by the in-form Eke, edged Douanes 19-16. However, the Kingsmen maintained their tempo, opening a 10-point gap in the third quarter, 19-9 over AS Douanes, while the fourth quarter was concluded with the Hoopers winning 21-20.
Eke was the Hoopers’ top performer in the encounter, with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. He was followed by Perry, who churned in 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Wilkins also had 14 points and three assists as well.
The Hoopers’ next game at the Dakar Arena is scheduled for Sunday (today) against Armée Patriotique from Rwanda.
