NPBL shockwaves, Hoops N’ Read almost out as Kano Pillars humble Lagos Legends
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye It’s heartbreak in the Lagos camp. Once the pride of Nigerian basketball, Hoops N’ Read BBC are almost out of the ongoing abridged Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) — ending their hopes of getting continental action. Despite a spirited 74–67 win over Nigeria Customs on Match Day 6 in Port Harcourt, the Lagos side’s late rally wasn’t enough to keep their Basketball Africa League (BAL) dream alive. With just two wins in six games, Hoops N’ Read sit sixth on the log — a far cry from their glory days as league heavyweights. Elsewhere, Gboko City Chiefs continued their ruthless march, dismantling Kwara Falcons 74–60. Led by the high-flying Kareem Joseph, a dunk specialist with a flair for flair, the Chiefs showed no mercy. “This win proves our discipline and ability to execute,” Joseph said after the game — and his team’s performance backed it up. But the real drama unfolded in Game 3. The previously unbeaten Lagos Legends were ri...