By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
THRILLING, action-packed, nail-biting.
Elements that make up a great basketball game. All three were on full display in the 82nd Charter Day basketball championship game between the Central Philippine University and Western Institute of Technology.
CPU triumphed over WIT, 75-73, in an epic finals slugfest.
Both teams went at each other and traded baskets the whole game, as WIT was able to match CPU’s firepower.
CPU dominated the paint the whole game, driving and slicing to the basket at will putting WIT’s frontcourt in foul trouble.
During the sixth minute mark of the game, CPU looked to pull away as they enjoyed their biggest lead of 8 points but WIT was too resilient, fighting back and converting much-needed baskets to stay in the game.
WIT’s game plan to apply full court pressure the entire game proved to be effective as they looked to force CPU to abandon their set plays and resort to quick shots.
CPU, however, delivered in the clutch, capitalizing on WIT’s defensive breakdown and nailing a clutch layup with 15 seconds left in the game to hand the Centralians the trophy.
