TEAM Green bagged the 2022 Church of Christ Unity Games championship on Sunday thanks to the clutch put back by Fernandez who gave his team a 62-61 victory over Team Grey at the Marianas High School gym.
It was a fast-paced game from start to finish with both teams finding the bottom of the net with each possession.
Team Grey excelled in the opening quarter as Magay and Yumul heated up early, scoring the team’s first nine points for a nine-point lead.
Team Green played relentlessly on both ends of the court, but the shooting prowess of Team Grey’s Asedillo, Yumul and Villanueva allowed their team to retain the lead, 37-26.
Following the halftime break, Team Green executed a rally. Fernandez’s ability to finish at the rim ignited the run as he scored 11 consecutive points while team mate Genese chipped in a few shots to cut Team Grey’s lead, 41-49.
Team Green continued the pressure both offensively and defensively. With each forced shot that Team Grey made, Team Green delivered buckets on the other end.
Thanks to Marigmen and Genese, Team Green closed the distance and even took control of the lead for a moment, but Team Grey still found an answer as Galves knocked down crucial shots to regain control, 61-60.
However, the game was not over until the final buzzer and Team Green made sure that every second counted.
After a quick cross-court inbound pass, Team Green attempted a shot but missed. After a short scuffle for the rebound, it was Team Green’s Fernandez who secured the ball. He then jumped right back up, expecting a foul as he released the ball. There was no foul, but the ball made its way to and through the rim which game Team Green a one-point lead, 62-61.
Team Grey tried to pull off a Hail-Mary play with five seconds left on the clock, but Team Green’s defensive pressure did not allow a high-percentage shot. The ball was tipped off before the release, giving Team Green a well-earned victory and the championship.
Team Green members pose for a photo after winning the championship of the 2022 Church is Christ Unity Games on Sunday at the Marianas High School gym.
