Coz we are the Champions my friend! San Beda College NCAA Season 93 Champions once again!

I marvel at the power of technology for the speed of transfer of information, for bridging the gap of being in different locations, time zones and means of availability. Fellow Bedans from around the world were tuned in via streaming, Facebook live and point by point updates through group chats.

Today was Game 2 of Finals of the NCAA Season 93 pitting defending Champion San Beda College Red Lions versus Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates who had a perfect season of 18-0. The Red Lions during the regular season failed to win over the pirates and was basically the underdog in this finals outing even if they were last year's champion.

Everyone was expecting that the Pirates would be getting their first champion win this season. Yet a Lion does not give up his kingdom easily.

It would be a match up between their two major stars Robert Bolick of the Red Lions and Mike Nzeusseu of the Pirates. Who would be hungrier to grab that title would be determined by this game.

Photocredits from Spin.ph
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Coming from a loss in Game 1 Nzeusseu promised a very and a game 3 for the Pirates and ultimately getting the championship. They knew the plays, they knew who to match up with and what to exploit. What a game it was.

It was a seesaw game as each team made runs that stopped the hearts of many spectators as each one was yelling their lungs out in support of their team. The last five minutes of the game proved legendary as each team tried to dig deep within their reserves and hold off the enemy defensively. San Beda was up 80-76 at the five minute mark but Lyceum managed to cut it to 83-82 at the 1:41 minute mark. At this point in the game I said screw it I need to watch this on the big screen not hiding behind my desk using my mobile phone to watch it live. The suspension was killing me and the rest of my batch mates in the group chat were feeling the same.

The Philippines is basketball crazy. You can practically see make shift basketball courts and posts in the many streets that we have. You can causally join in a game and get to meet people who are as crazy in watching and playing basketball. We have the most die hard fans as people will argue, bet and show their love for their local teams in the PBA or for foreign teams in the NBA. Each one would have their favorite players and team and woe is to anyone that trash talks their passion.

Sportscasters and announcers always emphasize that last two minute mark. You get goosebumps as they shout out "Laassssstttt Twooooooooo Minutesssss!"

This is where you separate the champions from the contenders, this is where grit and hunger gives you an extra shot of adrenaline or choke you with nervousness. All eyes is on the prize at this point. Bolick set out what he wanted to do. He got the ball and as expected three players mobbed him in the half court line and nearly made him turn it over. He saw in the corner of his eye an open team mate. He jumped and threw the ball to Sobreno and he was open to make a 3 point shot and it is good!!!

The Pirates gambled on that stifling defense but left another player open and it hurt them bad giving the Red Lions an 86-82 lead. Here they showed their nervousness. When you show a predator like a lion fear, it will capitalize on it. The Pirates pushed it hard but was stopped in the other end of the court. Bolick feeling very confident got the ball and shot a 3 pointer and it went swish into the basket. It was the proverbial dagger as the score was not 89-82 in favor of the Red Lions. With the Pirates MVP fouling out and with 10 seconds left they knew it was a lost cause. They shook hands with the players and coaches of San Beda and went back to their locker to give the team and the fans time to marvel at the glory and celebrate the win. In the end their perfect season was stopped by the underdogs.

Here Bolick ran up the stands and celebrated with his family, friends and the entire San Beda body in attendance. Yet unbeknownst him a lot more were screaming and shouting from different houses, offices and even countries as collectively the Bedans felt like champions.

Photo credit Spin.ph
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San Beda was once again champion for Season 93 of the NCAA. It was truly legendary

Photo credits to ABS-CBN
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I have covered the NCAA games back when I was still a journalist in the school newspaper The Bedan. It was with utmost pride to see them triumph again. When you go to San Beda College one of the first things you learn is what is the meaning of U.I.O.G.D. This is in the St. Benedict medallion that was given to you as a freshman. It is a Latin phrase of the law of St. Benedict. It is Ut In Omnibus Glorificetur Deus which translates into "That in all things, God may be glorified."

All the work and hardships that the players had was for the glory of God. We offer this win and be grateful for the strength provided. It has always been a tradition after a game that we go and celebrate a thanksgiving mass in our abbey.

Everyone was feeling flushed with the win and we wanted to give thanks and gratitude to our Maker. It was profound and the entire community was grateful for another great year.

This was a picture of me with Mr. Fourth Quarter himself, David Potts in a dinner early this year. I asked him what were our chances and he replied you know how we will fight till the very end. We'll have tough competition but we are tougher.

I am still grinning from ear to ear as I recount the day's event. I am grateful and happy for my school as they notched another championship in their belt. I am bound to remember the anguish we felt when championships but winning 10 championships in the last 12 years makes me feel proud.

That in all things God may be glorified is an apt ending here.