Hoopers rule Nigeria again
by Humphrey Njoku 29 July 2012, 08:11
Title holders, Royal Hoopers are the newest Nigerian champions.
Hoopers defeated their bitter rivals, Kano Pillars 65-52 in the final of the 2011/2012 Dstv Basketball Premier League Final 8 play-offs on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall, National stadium, Lagos.
The Port Harcourt-based side claimed victories in all the quarters against the Pyramid City side.
First quarter ended 19-17 in favour of the Garden City lads as they claimed second quarters 38-27 and third quarters 48-38 before wrapping up the game at 65-52.
Pillars had beaten Hoopers 54-53 in one of the most fiercely contested games of the preliminary round.
Both sides will hoist the nation's flag at the continent next year.
An elated Hoopers' small forward, Faruk Oyelade told SuperSport.com that he knew they will be champions after they knocked out tournament favourites, Dodan Warriors in the semifinals.
"Of course, I saw it coming, I believe in my teammates that we'll be champions.
"This is my happiest moment, I'm happy we came back to beat them in the final and it makes it the sweetest," he said.
Pillars' caretaker coach, Ibrahim Maku said he is fulfilled picking a continental ticket.
"I feel good picking the continental ticket though my mission was to pick the trophy.
"Basketball is all about winning some, losing some.
"We beat them in the preliminary, now they've beaten us in the final.
"I don't want to make excuses of the fasting, Hoopers are good, they're champions, we're champions, too," he said.
Losers match result:
Dodan Warriors 78-71 Lagos Islanders
Final match result:
Royal Hoopers 65-52 Kano Pillars
Special awards:
Highest rebounder - Adele Demola (Kano Pillars)
Highest scorer - Usman Abubakar (Kano Pillars)
Highest three pointer - Timothy Kwaor (Kada Stars)
MVP - Aguara Kingsley (Royal Hoopers)
First position - Royal Hoopers
Second position - Kano Pillars
Third position - Dodan Warriors
