After consecutive blow out victories in their last two Group B games, Rivers Hoopers have booked their place in the semi final of the Louis Edem Foundation Invitational tournament in Lagos.

The KingsMen came out guns blazing on Wednesday night as they blew away UNILAG by 80-32 to record their second win of the tournament.

The victory came six hours after the former league champions had fallen to a 42-65 defeat to Ebun Comets on the same day.

Hoopers consolidated on the victory over UNILAG with a resounding victory over Gidi Giants on Thursday afternoon.

The Lagos team were short of quality for most part of the game and gave Hoopers little or no threat in the paint. The team eventually lost 74-29 to Rivers Hoopers.

Abel Offia (14), Michael Daramola (13) and Mustapha Oyebanji (10) scored in double digits for the team.  

Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu explained why his team recorded big wins in their last two games.

“To avoid the type of scenario against Ebun Comets, we had to come all out and that’s why you have seen a blow out in two consecutive games.”

Odaudu admitted his team were out of sorts when they played against Ebun Comets.

“It was a mind thing, we allowed the officiating get to us because the scoreline does not show the true reflection of the game. Comets played very good basketball against us. They outscored us and they showed they wanted the game more and also they are a well coached team.”

Meanwhile, Hoopers forward Michael Daramola said the team had to do better after their loss to Comets.

“It was a great comeback from yesterday’s loss. We had to review our mistakes and we had to come all out and hopefully we will come out victorious in our next game.”

Rivers Hoopers will face the league champions and Nigeria’s representatives at the 2023 Basketball Africa League, Kwara Falcons in the semi final on Friday.