Gold is Back!

 

After a heartbreaking defeat at the 2023 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sports Festival and Conference, the NISU Sara Warriors Men’s Basketball Team has finally reclaimed the coveted gold medal after winning against the University of Antique (UA) Red Ants, in a thrilling championship match held at Tamasak Stadium, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

 

The Warriors came out strong, showcasing solid offensive execution and stifling defense from the very first quarter. Their early dominance put them in a commanding position, with NISU leading 24-15, building a 9-point advantage over the Red Ants.

 

Despite an early lead and extending it to 30-19 in the second quarter, the Warriors faced challenges from fouls and missed shots that allowed the Red Ants to trim the advantage to 37-29 but regrouped during a crucial timeout to close the half with a 46-35 lead.

 

In the third quarter, NISU struggled with turnovers and lost some momentum, allowing the Red Ants to cut the lead to 53-39 midway through the period. Despite continued foul trouble, the Warriors remained resilient. The Red Ants, led by De Castro, mounted a comeback, closing the gap to 67-53 by the end of the quarter.

 

The final period saw a thrilling surge from the Red Ants. A clutch three-pointer from De Castro cut NISU's lead to 69-60, and then a devastating 11-2 run brought them to within just 69-66. This forced a timeout from the Warriors. With composure and poise, NISU responded with a 4-0 run, extending their lead to 73-66 with just under four minutes left.

 

The Red Ants continued to pressure, but the Warriors held firm. Despite De Castro’s final three-pointer, the Warriors sealed the victory with an 81-73 win, reclaiming their rightful place at the top.

 

"Masadya gid kami kay tanan nga ginpreparahan namon last year, very heartbroken gid kami kay daw nagkadto lang sa wala. Amo na this year, nagstrive gid kami nga mabalik ang championship sa NISU," says NISU Sara Warriors Team Captain, Ryan Marvin Aguro.

 

Meanwhile, Coach Jester Kieth Famating shared his pride in the team’s preparation and performance, commending the players' commitment and effort in every training session.

 

“We are incredibly happy to have reclaimed the championship. This victory is a result of all the dedication and preparation we put into this season. Our players gave their all—full-time commitment in every practice—and that effort showed today.”

 

With this hard-fought victory, the NISU Sara Warriors Men’s Basketball Team not only redeemed themselves but also solidified their readiness to represent Western Visayas at the upcoming NSCUAA.