Knights endure Game 1 setback against Tigers, 63-57

Opening the first half, Knights established strategic offensive plays after getting the ball from the tip off and reared firm defense as the Tigers also hit hoops on the other end.

Veteran starters Mac Tripulca and Solomon Aurellano took charge of scoring as they secured a lead near the four-minute mark of the quarter. John Christopher Plaza also racked up points on a steal and fast break as Knights obtained its seventh straight points. However, their foes were able to knock off shots to finish the quarter with a one-point lead,18-17, in favor of the Tigers.

Aiming to gain the momentum, Knights rallied an early 5-0 run led by Tripulca seizing the offense underneath and beyond the arc. Defense tightened up for both teams as they scrambled one-on-one matchups, igniting fiery baskets and heated encounters among players. Golden Knights kept on capitalizing scoring opportunities as Aurellano and Rodney Fulgar grabbed for offense to stretch the lead at the half time, 34-31.

Thrilling second half began with Stephen John Valle registering for a dagger three-point shot then, countered by a shot from James Catamora on the opposite end of the court. Relentless defense escaped from both teams, challenging attempts from the inside with grit and gallantry. As the third quarter drew near the 4:59 mark, Roseller Monay caught off guard during his defensive stint against Palilio, causing him to have a delicate fall afterwards.

The Tigers made use of the game clock into their favor and continued to maximize the lead at the end, 52-44.

The quest for the coveted Game 1 further escalated into the last 10 minutes with gameplays from Knights being converted into its much needed points.

 Compacted defenses from both teams challenged their ball movements, sending a series of shot clock a1 along the way. Fast paced game by Knights penetrated at the final two minutes of the game, inching closer the gap down into two, 59-57.

A contested call took over the crucial minute of the game, with this specific play committed by the Naga College made their lead notched up into four, 61-57. The respective teams and its powerhouse crowd were intense at this point as the exchange of banters and cheers filled the gymnasium.

Despite the fueled emotions, the game resumed with the ball possession in favor of Ateneo, still with the hopes of redemption. However, Tigers emerged victorious as they concluded Game 1 with a 63-57 tally.

The two teams will battle out against each other once again this Sunday, 15 December for its deciding Game 2 of the best-of-three championship series.