The 5^th annual BECOL Basketball Season came to a close on Friday night at the Falcon Field, and it finished off with a blast, as the enormous crowd was treated to 2 nail-biting game 3’s in the Under 18 and Seniors Division respectively.

In the nightcap, 2 time champs, Hydro E-3 was going up against Maraton Western Hardware Warriors, who have been trounced from the playoffs every year by their nemesis, Hydro E-3.  With the championship trophy on the line, the game started off very physical and intense, with the first quarter ending 13 – 13.  Kurt “Chengo” Burgess finished the quarter with half of his team’s points, scoring most of his points in the paint, while Keith “Superman” Acosta also netted 7 points for his team, as both teams were establishing their big man in the game.  It was war between Chengo and Superman, and this start promised to be a great game.  Again in the second quarter, both teams scored 13 points apiece, keeping the first quarter knotted at 26 apiece.  Again, Burgess and Keith lead their teams in scoring, with 6 and 7 points respectively, making it obvious that with the stars shining, the game would be decided by the role players.

Finally, at the end of the third quarter, Hydro E-3 took a 3 point lead, 37 – 34, going into the fourth quarter.  The intensity of the game was palpable, as each possession now seemed as if it was the last, while the fans tensely cheered on their teams, sensing that this crucial game 3 was up for grabs.  With 2 minutes remaining, and the game tied, some crucial mental breakdowns contributed to a swing of momentum.  Firstly, Emerson King loss his composure, stoning a player with the ball, which resulted in a Technial foul.  With this, Hydro E-3 had all the momentum to close off the game, taking a 3 point lead with 1:45 remaining in the game. However, 2 possessions after, Regis Morris was given a Technical Foul, and Maraton Western Hardware Warriors converted on both free throws, cutting the lead to 2 points.  After being awarded a throw in after the free throws, Emerson King nailed a huge three pointer, giving his squad a 1 point lead.  That was the shot that sealed the game, as they were able to hold on to win the game, 58 – 49, giving Maraton Western Hardware Warriors their first championship.  In the win, Keith “Superman” Acosta finished the game with 22 points, and the Finals MVP hardware, while regular season MVP, Ivan “Stainless” Flowers chipped in with the 16 points.  For Hydro E-3, Kurt “Chengo” Burgess was the high man with 17 points, while Regis Morris scored 8 points, complemented by a great game at the point guard position.  Kudos to both teams for a splendid game.