The Quinapondan Fighting Carabaos etched their name in Eastern Samar Basketball and Volleyball League (ESBVL) history after defeating Fun Borongan, 79-77, in a thrilling do-or-die Game 3 to capture the Season 6 Men’s Basketball championship on June 28 at the Provincial Capitol Gym.
Making their first-ever ESBVL Finals appearance, the Fighting Carabaos mounted a scorching fourth-quarter comeback to capture their first league title.
Quinapondan held a slim 20-19 lead after the opening quarter, but Fun Borongan fought back in the second period to take a 49-46 halftime advantage.
Fun Borongan stayed in control in the third quarter, extending its lead to 67-58 and putting the Fighting Carabaos on the brink of defeat.
Refusing to let the championship slip away, Quinapondan stormed back in the fourth quarter, chipping away at the deficit before reclaiming the lead, 75-74, with two minutes and eight seconds remaining.
The Fighting Carabaos held their composure down the stretch, fending off Fun Borongan’s late rally to seal the victory.
The historic triumph marked the first ESBVL Men’s Basketball championship for the Quinapondan Fighting Carabaos, completing a memorable run in their maiden finals appearance and crowning them Season 6 champions. (TAC-GBP)
