The championship game kicked off with intensity as Gesu set the tone immediately. On their first possession, a crisp baseline drive led to a layup, and an and-one three-point play put them on the board and established their aggressive press. Gesu followed it up with another strong drive, building a quick 5–0 lead while showing sound fundamental basketball and dominance on the boards.
University School, however, refused to be intimidated. They got on the scoreboard with a clean layup and continued to attack the basket with confidence. Though several early shots didn’t fall, US displayed great patience and skill, setting up multiple scoring opportunities. Their persistence paid off when back-to-back plays—a step-through layup followed by a huge three-pointer—flipped the lead to 7–5 with five minutes left in the first half.
The game tightened into a defensive battle, with both teams playing solid, disciplined defense and forcing each other to make the most of every offensive opportunity. With just 35 seconds remaining, University School stole the ball and converted a quick layup, only for Gesu to respond immediately with a clutch three-pointer to take a 9–8 lead. University School called a timeout with 15 seconds left, and it proved to be a game-changer—they came out and drained a three as the half ended, taking a 12–8 advantage into halftime.
Both teams showed why they earned a spot in the championship, combining skill, hustle, and determination. Gesu’s aggressive drives and rebounding set the tone early, while University School’s resilience and clutch shooting gave them a late lead. The second half promises to be a thrilling showdown as both teams battle for the championship win.
University School opened the second half with momentum, grabbing an offensive rebound and finishing an easy layup to extend their lead. But Gesu answered immediately, pushing coast-to-coast for a strong finish to stay within striking distance at 14–10.
US continued their hot start by knocking down a clean three-pointer, but Gesu refused to fade. They crashed the boards hard, turning offensive rebounds into points and slicing through the lane for another baseline finish. Every time Gesu closed the gap, US responded—this time with a smooth floater—to keep the game tight and tense. The championship energy was unmistakable, with both teams trading blows in a game destined to come down to the wire.
With six minutes left, US broke a brief scoring drought by jumping a passing lane for a steal and a fast-break layup, pushing their lead to 23–18. A timeout followed with 4:08 remaining, and after the break, Gesu stormed back. They scored a quick layup, locked in defensively, and nailed a pull-up jumper, cutting the game to just one point. Suddenly, the entire gym was on its feet—US clinging to a 23–22 lead with under three minutes to play.
US responded calmly, drawing a foul and sinking two clutch free throws to make it 25–22. As the clock ticked down, Gesu battled foul trouble, sending US to the line with 34.7 seconds remaining. US missed, giving Gesu a lifeline, but the defensive pressure forced Gesu into a tough possession, and US regained the ball under their own basket.
With 16.8 seconds left, still trailing 25–22, Gesu had no choice but to foul again. US missed once more, opening the door one final time. Gesu pushed the ball up the floor and got off a clean three-point attempt with just three seconds remaining—but it bounced off the rim.
Forced to foul again, Gesu sent US to the line, where they calmly knocked down a free throw to seal the championship. University School claims the title with a 27–22 victory in one of the hardest-fought, defensive battles.