How sweet it is!

Day 3 of the the 4 team league held at Rivera Village last Saturday was one heck of an event. We the Spyware team hadn't won any game yet in 2 games.

Desperately needing one, we were so focused to win the game. We had planned all the possible ways to win the game and also the rotation of the players was deeply studied. And so, we were scheduled to meet up against the Trojans which is lead by sir ariel (tech admin of night shift), he created a new team composed of players from other company.

With their win loss record of 1-1, they surely bring on the best of what they have contrary to us 0-2 should bring not just the best but to focused on winning. As the game is about to start, we notice that sir allan, jayson and adriel were not around..Its a good thing we had added a defensive player as he said, dennis "the menace". Wearing jersey # 5, he came up huge for us.

At the end of the 1st half, the game was so tight and finished tied in scoring entering the 3rd quarter. At the half, every one was celebrating even though the scored was tied. Why? "wLa mi nabayaan sa score kay katong first 2 games, sa 2nd quarter mi mabyaan pirminti hehe!" It felt like we are already winning the game hahaha! Every one was so pumped up after the 1st half, we really had a great 1st half and we took that situation as an advantage entering the 2nd half. the 3rd quarter was really a different story! I just though that was the best 3rd quarter of my life! We came up blazing in the 3rd as our shooting was flawless! Defense was so intense and we forced a lot of turnovers to the opponent! Steals, blocks... It was one of the greatest moment of the game as we left them with a large margin, I think it was a 16 point lead at one time. We really controlled the 3rd quarter.

Celebration was always a step ahead of us during that time. And then came the final quarter, plan was to use the time and waste it as we can so the opponent will not have a chance to get any closer. The plan was executed very well not until the final 3 minutes of the game, the Trojans started to press (full court) and we lost the ball many times, it was so frustrating because we really had a hard time crossing the ball to the half court line and little by little the lead was trimmed down. The fear to loss another game came up to my mind and I know, if we let this game slipped in our hands, the 3rd quarter would come up useless. it was nearly a blink of an eye as our 16 point lead was cut to only a point with 1min and 30 something seconds left in the game. We had another turnover and by that time, they took advantage and scored another and a foul. It hurts as they finally lead and still have a bonus free throw with 50 sec remaining. It was so disappointing and then we called a timeout after the play and coach don said to us, "calm down, ayaw'g karatol! 2 points lng yan"

Having the posession, I was instruct to get the ball and go all the way to the basket but the plan failed, I just thought the defense already know that I will get the ball, they covered me a lot, I haven't had the chance so my teamates forced to shoot but it was missed. Hopeless at that time with 40 sec left, we intentionally fouled them to stop the time. We are at the penalty situation so opponent will take freethrows, fortunately only one free throw was so converted so they only have a 3 point lead at that time..

ken rebounded the ball and pass it directly to me, I took it coast to coast to the basket but I was fouled with 30 sec remaining. I made the 1st but I missed the 2nd. So their lead is now 2 points. They gained possesion and surprisingly they lost the ball, ken grab the ball and called another timeout! wheewww! With under 10 sec left in the game we have a chance to tie the game or win it with a three points. Plan was designed to me, get the ball and take it all the way to the basket. Under pressure, don inbounded the ball, I was again covered and didn't had the chance to recieve any pass. He passed it to denz then dribbled a couple of times then passed it back to don and from there he went straight to the basket as the defense focused to him, I think 4 players tried to stop him but he missed!

Not knowing what will happen..I went to the paint for a possible rebound...Luckily, I was fortunate enough for a foot back and tied the game! and send the game to Overtime! Thrilling as you can ever Imagine! whooowwww...!! Then came overtime, tired and exhausted we have to finish the game whatever happens.

The third was more like the 3rd quarter, we-controlled-the-overtime! shooting relentlessly in the floor and the gatorade turning point by mr. bakeruddin damada, his 3 points with a man on his face gave us the secured lead and helped sealed the win. The crowd went crazy after his shot and I thought, "thats it!" we won!! With a commanding lead with sec to play, our bench was celebrating and as the time expires, we claimed glory!

Exaggerated to say but I had been to a lot of basketball games but I thought this was the sweetest game of my life! kuddos to keneth, Im my point of view..he was the player of the game here..his Inside presence was there, grabbing tons of rebound and defensive plays. Key players were kurt, denz ruiz and john, they gave the backcourt plays more exciting and the hustle plays they'd showed proved that we are determined to take this game.

Special mention to dennis casa, w/out his intense defense and 2 points, I think it would be a different story. Overall,the teamwork and "HARDWORK" of the players prevailed. Congratulations Spyware! hehehe! Murag mag ni-champion!