The halftime buzzer echoed through the Dasmariñas Arena, momentarily silencing the roaring crowd. The first half of the championship match had been a fierce, closely fought duel, with the Black Mambas leading by a mere three points—35 to 32. Sweat-drenched, muscles tight but hearts ablaze, the players trudged to their respective locker rooms. The air was thick with anticipation, the hunger for victory burning even brighter.
Inside the Mambas' locker room, the subdued lighting and cool air contrasted sharply with the heated chaos of the court. Players sank onto benches, towels wrapped around their necks, catching breaths but not spirits.
Coach Gutierrez paced slowly, glancing around at his exhausted team.
Coach Gutierrez said "Up to this point, you've shown the heart, skill, and spirit I expected. But the game is still long. The Submariners will come at us with everything. We must be sharper in every move, stronger in every choice."
He fixed his piercing eyes on Tristan, the team captain.
"Tristan, you're our pivot—the heartbeat. Use your skills, your instincts. Lead not just with your eyes but with your voice."Coach Gutierrez said.
Tristan felt the weight settle comfortably on his shoulders. He nodded, voice calm but resolute.
"We're ready. They want to take this from us, but we've fought too long to let it slip. Come on, let's show them who owns this court."Tristan said.
Nearby, Marco wiped sweat from his brow, looking over at Gab.
"This gap is thin. Every rebound, every second, counts now."Marco said.
Gab said quiet but fierce "I'm ready to hold the paint no matter what."
Joseph sat beside Tristan for a moment, voice low.
"They play relentless. But we're more than just skill. We're a family. We've got this."Joseph said.
The crowd's cheers swelled as the teams marched back onto the hardwood, eyes sharp, muscles taut with renewed determination.
The announce system boomed:
"The third quarter begins! Black Mambas leading 35–32, but the battle is far from over!".
Tip-off between Jomar Reyes and Ian Veneracion. Jomar dominated the jump, tapping the ball to Carlos Dela Cruz.
First possession goes to the Yellow Submariners.
Carlo dribbled upcourt, pivoting quickly, looking to set the offense.
He passed to Kiko Aquino near the baseline who pulled up for a mid-range jumper.
Missed.
Felix Tan grabbed the rebound and immediately pushed the ball forward.
Tristan thinking "Push the pace—don't let them breathe."
Tristan accelerated, weaving through defenders with a finesse only his Acrobat and Tight Handles skill badges could explain.
He spotted Marco cutting hard to the wing and lobbed a sharp bounce pass.
Marco caught and released a difficult mid-range jumper.
Swish.
Score: Black Mambas 37 — Yellow Submariners 32
The Submariners regrouped.
Angelo Santos started pushing the pace in transition, finding Carlo Dela Cruz on a quick give-and-go.
Carlo hit a jump shot from just inside the arc.
Score: Black Mambas 37 — Yellow Submariners 34
Defensive Battles and Emotional Momentum
Gab and Richard Rivera clashed beneath the basket. Sweat and grit clouded the air as bodies collided over each rebound.
"This is where we hold!"Gab said.
Richard responded, powerfully sealing him out and forcing a missed shot.
Raymond Rivera slowed the pace, controlling rebounds and dictating defense.
Coach waved the team huddled on the bench.
"They're strong inside. Stay tight. Help each other and communicate."Coach Gutierrez said.
"Felix, Ian—we rely on you to hold the fort in the paint."Tristan said.
"Perimeter defense, stay aggressive but smart."Marco said.
Tristan launched into a brilliant display of his skills.
Seeing his tight handles leave defenders grasping at air, he drove through contact—Fearless Finisher activated, absorbing a hard foul while finishing with a layup.
He calmly sank the free throw after.
Score: Black Mambas 40 — Yellow Submariners 34
Jomar Reyes slammed a powerful dunk after a feed from Manoel Pangilinan.
Crowd erupted.
Score: Black Mambas 40 — Yellow Submariners 36
Marco hit another decisive three, stopping a Submariners' run before it could start.
"Mambas maintain composure with clutch shooting—Marco hitting big shots when it counts."Commentator said.
Joseph, breathing hard, whispered:
"This is a test of nerve."
Gab locked eyes with Felix.
"We win this together."Felix said.
"And leave it all on the court."Joseph said.
The clock ticked mercilessly forward, the score now 45–42.
Carlo Dela Cruz drove hard, dishing to Angelo Santos who hit a corner three to tie the game.
Score: Tie 45–45
Tristan took a deep breath and called the next play with serene authority.
He drove hard, drawing defenders, and kicked out to Joseph cutting baseline for a layup.
Crowd roared.
Score: Black Mambas 47 — Yellow Submariners 45
The Yellow Submariners gambled for a last shot—a deep three from Kiko Aquino that clangs off the rim.
Gab thundered for the rebound and was fouled hard.
He rose to the line—steady.
Two free throws in.
Both sinks.
End of third quarter score: Black Mambas 49 — Yellow Submariners 45
Coach's words were quiet but powerful.
Coach Gutierrez said "So close. Hold the line next quarter. Fight for every second and every inch."
Marco whispered beside Tristan.
"We're ready for what's next."Marco said.
Tristan smiled softly, touched the bracelet from his mother.
Tristan thought "We fight on—together."
The crowd's cheers beyond the locker room doors promised that the final quarter of destiny was coming, as the Black Mambas prepared for the ultimate test of spirit and skill.