By Aaior K. Comfort

The Rivers Hoopers triumphed over the Gboko City Chiefs, winning 51-46 in their opening game of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Basketball Championship at the Mo Arena in Abuja on Wednesday.

This match marked the Hoopers’ first competitive outing since the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in May, and it showed as they struggled with turnovers and possession errors throughout the game.

The Chiefs maintained a four-point lead for a significant portion, forcing the Hoopers to play catch-up. Entering the fourth quarter trailing 36-40, the Hoopers knew they had to regain control for a chance at victory.

With just 1:37 remaining, the Hoopers managed to tie the game at 44-44. They then outscored the Chiefs 7-2 from the free-throw line to secure their first win in the tournament against a resilient Gboko side.