Rivers Hoopers reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) crown on Monday after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76, while defending champions Maktown Flyers suffered a second consecutive defeat to Aso Sky Hawks in the Final Four in Port Harcourt.

The penultimate day of the Final Four delivered a dramatic twist as Hoopers sealed the championship with their commanding victory at the Basketball Arena, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the 2024 NPBL champions, who were runners-up in last year’s final, while Maktown’s 72-64 defeat to Aso Sky Hawks ended their hopes of retaining the title.

In the opening game, both Maktown and Aso Sky Hawks entered the contest needing victory after losing their respective opening games of the Final Four.

Maktown made the brighter start, taking the first quarter 19-16 before extending their advantage to 31-24 midway through the second quarter.

Aso Sky Hawks, however, responded strongly before halftime, drawing level at 36-36 with 2:15 remaining in the second quarter.

The Hawks’ defensive intensity proved decisive as they recorded six steals and 21 rebounds, including 15 defensive rebounds, while Maktown struggled with turnovers.

The Flyers committed 12 turnovers, allowing Aso Sky Hawks to convert them into six points before the halftime break.

Maktown were unable to regain control after the interval and entered the final quarter trailing 53-60.

Despite a late fightback, the defending champions could not complete the comeback. With 34.1 seconds remaining, Maktown had reduced the deficit to 64-70 after Keita Mohammed ended a three-minute scoring drought with a crucial two-pointer.

A subsequent block briefly raised hopes of a dramatic recovery, but Aso Sky Hawks held firm to secure a 72-64 victory.

Paul Dibal led all scorers with 19 points, while the Hawks capitalised heavily on Maktown’s mistakes, finishing with 28 points from turnovers. Aso also held a 7-0 advantage in second-chance points.

The result set the stage for a decisive second encounter between Rivers Hoopers and Gboko City Chiefs, with both teams having the opportunity to move to two wins and strengthen their position in the championship race.

Hoopers started aggressively, opening a 13-6 lead with five minutes remaining in the first quarter, but Gboko responded with a spirited display to take a narrow 19-18 lead at the end of the opening period.

The Benue-based side relied on fast breaks, points in the paint and points created from turnovers to frustrate the former champions.

Johnson Anaye’s three-point buzzer-beater, however, gave Hoopers the spark they needed as they took control in the second quarter and entered halftime with a 45-35 lead.

The Port Harcourt-based side continued to stretch the advantage after the interval, at one point establishing a 21-point cushion, before eventually closing out an 88-76 victory.

Hoopers’ offensive efficiency was underlined by their 12 successful three-pointers as they maintained control through the decisive stages of the contest.

Omar Abada led the champions with 18 points, while Peter Olisemeka produced a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Abel Offia contributed 14 points, with Chinedu Nwaogu adding 13 points from the bench.

The victory also secured Rivers Hoopers’ place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL), adding continental qualification to their domestic triumph.

The championship marks a redemption of sorts for Hoopers following their heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 NPBL final, with head coach Ogoh Odaudu praising his players for their dominant performance.

For Nwaogu, the triumph was particularly significant as it marked his first league championship in only his second professional season.

The Final Four concludes on Tuesday with Aso Sky Hawks taking on Gboko City Chiefs at 3pm before Rivers Hoopers face Maktown Flyers at 6pm in a rematch of last year’s final.

While the Hoopers-Flyers encounter will no longer determine the champion, it provides an opportunity for both sides to close their Final Four campaigns on a strong note.