The Accountancy Griffins and Business and Management Vipers face off for the chance to make it to the Basketball Mens’ grand finals. Photo by Camaela Mijares

Heart. Power. Spirit. These were what transpired as the Accountancy (BSA/AT) Griffins and Business and Management (B&M) Vipers faced-off during the Men’s Basketball Semi-Finals last August 5 at the Martin Hall. Griffins soared their way to victory, 40-35, earning their spot to the finals.

Both teams brawled for the ball, with the Griffins scoring the first basket, 2-0. However, as the first quarter progressed, the Vipers paced the game, neck to neck, finishing off, 11-12, in their favor.

With the ball on their side, the Vipers raised their score, 11-14, but the Griffins thereafter turned the tables 15-14, with six minutes remaining in the second quarter. The teams were both on a roll, even having several offensive fouls. The quarter ended, 18-20, still on the Vipers side.

The third quarter started off with the Griffins and Vipers tied at 20-20. The game already halfway, solid defense from both teams became more evident, a number of steals and turnovers taking place. Nailing the score at 20-20, until the quarter’s last five minutes, the Griffins broke the ice, scoring two points on a free throw—the start of consecutive goals, placing them to an eight-point lead, 29-21.

As the crowd stepped up their cheers and yells for their teams, the last quarter commenced with a rally, the Vipers on the run to closing off the lead, tipping off with 37-35, with only 55 seconds remaining in the game. With the teams exchanging goal attempts, the Griffins prevailed with a three-pointer during the last 15 seconds, earning wild screams from the audience, sweeping the game to an end, 40-35.

One of Griffins’ key player, Miguel Paolo Gancio expressed his experience during the game.

“It was a heart-pounding game, but thanks to God and everyone who supported us. Even though there were ups and downs, nagbawi mmi as a team,wala mi nag give up and gihatag namo among best,” he said.

When asked on what he looks forward for the finals, he stated that his team wants to bag the championship.

“Among previous practices and previous games kay stepping stones to para sa championship,” he answered.

The basketball men’s finals will be on August 13, 2016 at the Martin Hall.