After a three-year rivalry streak between the two clusters, the School of Nursing (SON) Panthers reclaimed the Women’s Basketball crown in the Palarong Atenista 2025 finals, shutting down the Business and Management (B&M) Vipers’ late-game comeback, 40–31.

Highlighting the long-standing SON–B&M championship face-offs from 2023 to 2025, this year’s victory marks SON’s second win in three years after falling short last season.

The SON Panthers maintained control of the game entering the fourth quarter, prompting the Vipers to call a timeout at the 3:43 mark with SON cruising at a 33-25 lead. 

B&M Vipers attempted to close the gap after the timeout and managed to cut the deficit to 33-29 with two minutes remaining in regulation.

SON Panthers responded immediately by converting consecutive baskets to restore a wider margin at 36-29 before B&M added another point, shifting the score to 36-31 as the match entered its final minute. 

The closing stretch of the game was marked by a sequence of fouls within the last 50 seconds as both teams strategized to manage the remaining possessions.

Extending their lead to 38-31, the SON Panthers sank two crucial free throws to halt B&M’s attempt to rally.

SON Panthers’ team captain Phoebe Kaye Mariano acknowledged the hurdles of having limited players and conflicting schedules, noting that their team depended on individual training and internal communication to prepare for the championship match.

“Eight lang kami and it was really hard to get them into practice because we have different schedules and hospital duties, so what we did was to compromise…individually kami nag-train for the break.” 

She also pointed out the physical and numerical disadvantage during the game, relying on defensive coordination and in-game adjustments to sustain their momentum.

“Konti lang kami…we just created some plays para maka-shoot kami lahat…and also, communication and defense,” Mariano added.

SON players drew significant energy from the support of their classmates and the cluster community present at the venue, which they said played a crucial role in motivating them throughout the game.

“What motivated me was the people watching specifically, our classmates, cluster, and teammates na naga-cheer,” Mariano said.

Mariano attributed the team’s on-court cohesion to their familiarity with one another and the consistent encouragement they shared as teammates, which strengthened their defensive stops and offensive execution down the stretch.

“Since maliit lang kami [in number], we know each other…’yong factor na narinig namin ang each other sa court, ‘yon ang nakapanalo sa amin…pati yong defense rin,” she said.

Recognizing the significance of the championship, Mariano dedicated the victory to former team members and senior teammates completing their final playing year.

“I owe it [victory] to my last captain, Dhara, kasi siya talaga nagmotivate sa akin na ipanalo this year kasi we fell short last year. It means a lot to me especially na mag-fourth year na ako…also, it means a lot since Ate Nikki will be graduating and this will be her last year playing,” she said.

Addressing the recurring championship rivalry, SON Representative Kristal Eden Magno stated that the matchup with B&M remains competitive yet grounded in mutual respect.

“Grabe ang rivalry talaga with B&M cluster…we have good rivalry. I can see there’s a lot of potential for both teams and they persevered. I am happy that victory is on our side as well. This time, it proves that because of the dedication of these kids …their talents and skills…nagbunga talaga siya.”

The SON Panthers earned gold, while the B&M Vipers secured silver, and the Accountancy Griffins claimed bronze to cap off the tournament. 

The women’s basketball championship games were held at 4F Martin Hall on December 10.