Fresh from last year’s silver, the Business and Management (B&M) Vipers clinched gold in this year’s classic Men’s 5×5 Basketball, declawing the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers, 79-69.
With an intense start to the game, the first quarter found the SEA Tigers’ Reinz Yaba pushing through the Vipers’ strong defense, leaving the first quarter knotted at 5-5 with 5 minutes remaining.
The Vipers eventually got the upper hand with their accurate 3-pointers and the Tigers’ costly misplays, ending the quarter in their favor, 18-15.
The game cooled down with both teams consecutively missing their shots in the first 5 minutes of the second quarter before eventually ramping up again and ending the first half with the Vipers still in the lead, 33-29.
As the second half commenced, the atmosphere from the crowd heightened as cheers intensified every shot in the third and fourth quarter.
The third quarter found the SEA Tigers’ ambitious 3-pointer shots be met with the B&M Vipers’ consistent defense and accurate 2-pointers, as they slowly encircled their opponents, ending the game with their furthest lead so far, 58-50.
In the nail-biting final quarter, injuries plagued the Vipers while the game saw rapid ball movement, culminating in a tense 64-64 tie with just two minutes left on clock.
While the Tigers converted key free throws to two points, it was the Vipers’ Adrian Dailo who slithered onto the spotlight, hitting crucial three-pointers down the stretch. Despite the Tigers fighting back, the Vipers held on to secure the 79-69 victory.
“Kadto sa last 2 to 3 points nako, katong clutch moments, siguro didto napalong ang [School of] Engineering,” Dailo shared in an interview with Atenews after the thrilling finals match.
Aside from their actual performance in the Palaro, Dailo also mentioned that it was their rigorous training that helped build their team’s skills.
“Actually, wala pa nag start ang school year, nag try-outs nami. After 2 days sa try-outs, nag start na mi training, non-stop na dayun,” Dailo said.
Dailo, who was also awarded Player of the Game, emphasized that their main strategy was to neutralize Yaba, the standout player for the SEA Tigers known for his scoring prowess.
“Ang strategy jud namo for this game… si Yaba. Number one player sa Engineering; among goal is ma stop siya, dayun nakuha namo na nastop siya, mao nang naglisud ang Engineering pud.”
The game concluded with the SEA Tigers settling for silver, while the Social Sciences (SS) Dragons secured bronze in a prior matchup last September 25.
The championship showdown took place on September 27 at the 4th floor of Martin Hall, and was live-streamed via the SAMAHAN Palarong Atenista Facebook Page.