Looking back at that electrifying UAAP Season 84 Finals Game 3, I can still feel the tension in the air—the kind that makes your palms sweat and your heart race. As someone who’s covered collegiate sports for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of championship deciders, but this one? It was special. The game was a masterclass in momentum shifts, individual brilliance, and tactical execution, and if you ask me, the turning points weren’t just moments; they were stories. Let me walk you through what I believe were the key plays that ultimately decided who lifted the trophy, drawing from my observations and the gritty details that stood out.
The fourth quarter was where legends were made, and honestly, I’ve rarely seen a frame so tightly contested yet so decisively swung. I remember watching Vander Weide just go ballistic up front—it was like he flipped a switch and turned into an unstoppable force. In my notes, I jotted down how he racked up 12 points in that quarter alone, including three consecutive baskets that shifted the energy in the arena. You could feel the momentum tilt, and as a fan of high-pressure performances, I have to say, his aggression was a thing of beauty. It wasn’t just about scoring; it was his timing. With about 5 minutes left on the clock, he drove to the lane, drew two defenders, and dished off a no-look pass that led to an easy layup. That play, in my opinion, broke the opponent’s spirit more than any three-pointer could have. Meanwhile, Chery Tiggo’s EV side seemed luckless, almost reeling as if caught in a storm. I’ve analyzed their defense from that night, and it’s clear they were struggling to contain Petro Gazz’s scoring trifecta, which combined for a staggering 28 points in the second half. From where I sat, their rotations were a step slow—maybe due to fatigue or pressure—and that cost them dearly.
But let’s not overlook the earlier quarters, because the foundation for this climax was laid in the first half. I recall thinking, "This is going to be a grind," when both teams traded blows in the opening minutes. The score was tied at 18-18 by the end of the first quarter, and the intensity was palpable. One play that sticks in my mind happened around the 7-minute mark of the second quarter: a steal followed by a fast-break dunk that ignited the crowd. Statistically, turnovers were a killer—Chery Tiggo committed 15 overall, leading to 18 points off turnovers for Petro Gazz. As an analyst, I always emphasize how crucial those transition points are in high-stakes games, and here, they made all the difference. Personally, I lean toward aggressive, up-tempo basketball, so seeing Petro Gazz capitalize on those mistakes felt like a validation of that style. Another key moment was a controversial foul call with 2 minutes left in the third quarter that resulted in a three-point play. Now, I’m not one to blame referees—officiating is tough—but that call shifted the momentum by giving Petro Gazz a 5-point lead, and from my experience, in a championship game, those 5 points can feel like 15.
As the game wound down, the psychological aspect took over. I’ve spoken to players after similar matches, and they often mention how mental fortitude separates champions from contenders. In this case, Petro Gazz’s ability to maintain composure under fire was impressive. Their bench contributed 25 points, which, in my view, highlights the depth of their roster—a point I’ve stressed in my workshops for young coaches. On the flip side, Chery Tiggo’s key players seemed to fade in the clutch, shooting just 35% from the field in the final 5 minutes. I can’t help but think that if they’d managed one more defensive stop or hit a big shot, we might be telling a different story. But that’s the beauty of sports, isn’t it? It’s unpredictable, and as a lifelong follower, I adore those nail-biting finishes that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wrapping it up, this game wasn’t just about who scored the most points; it was a tapestry of strategic decisions, individual heroics, and raw emotion. From Vander Weide’s explosive fourth quarter to Chery Tiggo’s unfortunate struggles, every play wove into the final outcome. In my career, I’ve learned that championships are often won in these subtle shifts, and this UAAP finale was a textbook example. If you’re a basketball enthusiast like me, dissecting these moments can offer lessons in resilience and tactics that apply beyond the court. So next time you watch a big game, pay attention to those turning points—they might just tell the whole story.
