Nigeria Customs started their campaign in the Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four with a 65-57 win over Hoops and Read on Thursday, November 23, in Port Harcourt.
The game started with Hoops & Read getting the first bucket in the first quarter. They continued to push the Nigeria Customs, though they went back and forth, but eventually ended 14–12 in favour of Hoops.
Both teams stepped up their efforts in the second quarter as the players got into the groove in a more entertaining second quarter, with Hoops outscoring Customs 23-20 to head into the break with a 5-point advantage.
Also Read: Rivers Hoopers Secure Nervy Win In Premier Basketball League Final 4 Opener Vs Gboko City Chiefs
The Customs seemed to have lost steam during the break, and Hoops & Read opened up a 13-point lead in the first few minutes of the third quarter to take control of the game.
However, Customs showed resilience as they rallied to recover from the deficit and took the third quarter 18–17.
Customs then tapped into their wealth of experience to completely dominate the fourth quarter (15-3) and seal victory in the first game of the Final Four.
Hoops & Read went 5-of-13 from behind the arc, with Victor Ezeh recording 3/6 from the deep on his way to 15 points with 5 rebounds.
Tolani Buhari led the scoring for Hoops & Read with 21 points, including 2/2 from the deep and 5/6 free throws made.
Nigeria Customs will take on Gboko City Chiefs, while Hoops & Read will hope to get a better result in game two against Rivers Hoopers on Friday.
