Rivers Hoopers captain, Victor Anthony Koko has blamed complacency and the absence of their head coach for their shocking 80-77 loss to ASPAC, despite holding an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Koko excused that ASPAC showed more hunger for the win, while Rivers Hoopers relaxed too early, believing the game was already won.

“We Thought It Was Over” – Koko Admits

Speaking on the unexpected loss, Koko admitted that his team underestimated their opponents’ determination.

“What happened was that they needed the game more than we do because they were really hungry for the victory.”

“And I think we just relaxed for the fact that we were like 20 points up at the end of the third quarter. So we thought it was over.”

“If Our Head Coach Was There, We Wouldn’t Lose”

Koko also pointed to the absence of Rivers Hoopers’ head coach as a crucial factor in their defeat, suggesting that his presence could have changed the outcome.

“If the head coach is the one coaching us, believe me, we won’t lose that game.”

“I’m not saying that the other coaches are not good. No, we won’t lose that game.”

“We Didn’t Adapt to Their Comeback”

Koko further emphasized that a different tactical approach could have stopped ASPAC’s momentum in the final quarter.

“We’ll definitely look for a way out. We’ll definitely look for something.”

“Okay, this is what these people are doing that are killing us. How do we stop it?”

“I played under him for more than 10 years, so I know him. I know what he can do. But whatever happens, they were just hungry for the victory, and they got what they wanted.”

What’s Next for Rivers Hoopers?

After suffering this painful loss, Rivers Hoopers will need to regroup quickly and address the issues that led to their late-game collapse.

With their head coach expected to return, they will look to bounce back and avoid a repeat of this disappointment.