Lagos Legends Edge Rivers Hoopers 74–72 to Claim Premier League Crown, Secure 2025 BAL Ticket

Lagos Legends Basketball Club ended Rivers Hoopers’ bid for a third straight Nigeria Basketball Premier League title with a thrilling 74–72 victory in the decisive Final 4 clash in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Both sides entered the season finale unbeaten, each with two wins and eyeing the coveted qualification slot for the 2025 Basketball Africa League.

Having snapped Hoopers’ three-year unbeaten streak with an 80–79 win in last month’s Final Eight, Lagos Legends started strongly once again, racing ahead early while the Hoopers struggled to settle. Despite this, Rivers Hoopers narrowly claimed the first quarter 20–19, but the Legends fought back to force a 32–32 halftime tie.

The Hoopers held a slim 52–49 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Lagos Legends kept their best effort for the final stretch. They clawed back to level the game at 61–61, briefly took the lead, and continued to trade points until Hoopers tied it 70–70 with 39 seconds left.

Rivers Hoopers added two more points, but Lagos Legends responded decisively, scoring four late points to seal the dramatic win and block the 2024 BAL bronze medallists from securing a third consecutive championship.

The victory means Lagos Legends have now defeated Hoopers twice in their three matchups this season — Hoopers’ only win coming in the Inter-Group Phase, 89–70. With this triumph, Lagos Legends clinch the ticket to the 2025 BAL, ending Rivers Hoopers’ two-year run in the continental competition.