A female Accountancy Griffin dribbling the ball away from the lady Tigers during the intense match. Photo by Hannah Lou Balladares

The Accountancy (BSA/AT) Griffins exhibited heart, focus, and fortitude as they soared above the Engineering and Architecture (EA) Tigers during the Women’s Basketball Championship last August 13 at the university’s Martin Hall.

With the crowd’s cheers already on full blast, the first quarter started with both teams psyched to win the game. EA Tigers’ Navidad and Fernandez scored the first and second baskets respectively, establishing the lead, 0-4. At four minutes remaining on the clock, the Griffins called for a timeout, coming back up with a two-pointer, 2-4. With both team’s errors, the score stilled was stilled until 12 seconds remaining. The Tigers shortly after scored a point from a free throw, closing the first quarter 2-5.

The second quarter was a close contest. The scores were tied at 9-9 at 45 seconds remaining on the quarter after several timeouts and exchanges of goals. But the Tigers kept the lead, 9-10, after scoring a free throw.

The Tigers commenced the third quarter ablaze, scoring two consecutive two-pointers to make the score 9-14. Shortly after, the Griffins attempted a rally, ending the third quarter 14-16.

As the game approached the last quarter, the Griffins’ and Tigers’ locked in their respective defense, with neither team scoring a point until three minutes past the quarter. the Tigers broke away after scoring two points, 14-18.

With only a minute left, the Griffins tied the scores at 21-21, making the crowds go wild. After a series of turnovers and timeouts, the Griffins finally managed to take the lead 22-21 with only 25 seconds left. With the momentum on their side, the Griffins scored another two points with 16 seconds left on the clock, blocking the Tigers attempts to follow through, and winning the game, 24-21.

Griffins’ top scorer Mae Ann Garzon shared how she felt after the game.

“Whew! After 3 years, na-prove jud namo nga maka-champion jud mi. Happy jud kaayo kay gi-hagoan jud namo ni. Kulba kaayo kay championship gud unya dili lalim, tapos kabalo mi nga hawd jud sila (EA),” she said.

Accountancy Division Representative Dan Angelo Timtim also expressed his pride for the team.

“Happy is not enough kung i-describe ang akong feeling karon kay na-overwhelm jud ko and na-happy jud ko para sa mga players kay nag pay-off ilang gipaghirapan. At first, kulba jud kaayo kay sa first three quarters of the game, lamang jud ang EA. And naga-ingon na ko sa mga naa sa bench na ‘Guys, pray lang, tiwala lang sa inyohang team’ hangtod sa fourth quarter, na-bless mi sa Ginoo”, he said.