In a blockbuster finale befitting two of Goa’s most entertaining basketball teams, YMCA Knights outgunned defending champions Lourdes Basketball Club (LBC) to clinch the State Men’s Basketball Championship, capping off a night of breathtaking skill, nerve-wracking moments and an atmosphere that had the Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, oozing with excitement.
Fans of both teams had packed the Don Bosco Oratory in large numbers, creating a roaring, electric atmosphere as they cheered every basket, block and fast break from their heroes on court.
The Knights, who had waited three long years for this moment, finally shattered LBC’s dominance and denied them a historic fourth consecutive title, winning a final that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent years.
The game swung like a pendulum throughout, with quarter-wise scores reflecting the intensity: Q1: 14–20, Q2: 15–6, Q3: 19–15, Q4: 14–19, giving the Knights just enough breathing space to hold on. Jaedan Vas, towering and unstoppable on the night, was sensational with 26 points, earning him the MVP of the Finals, while the ever-reliable Shaun Aranjo (18 pts), another of Goa’s most consistent stars over the years, masterfully controlled the tempo. But this championship was built on more than star power – Rahul D’Souza’s relentless marking of Jeshua in the second half and his clutch 4 points in the final quarter proved decisive in keeping LBC at bay.
LBC, the champions of the last three editions, refused to bow out quietly. Jeshua Pinto (23 pts), fresh from representing India at the World University Games, poured in baskets with his trademark flair, including crucial three-pointers that kept the pressure alive. Shubham Singh (18 pts) and Jordan Dias (10 pts) added firepower, and in the final two adrenaline-filled minutes, LBC stunned the arena by cutting an 11-point deficit to nearly nothing. A barrage of late buckets – Micah Pinto and Jordan Dias draining threes, and Shubham finishing a sharp move—brought the scoreline to a single-possession margin with only seconds left, sending the crowd into absolute frenzy.
But just as LBC seemed poised for a miracle steal, fate tilted the other way. With seconds on the clock, Micah darted forward on a potential game-tying fast break, only to be called for a double-dribble, triggering an eruption of relief from the Knights’ bench and their roaring supporters.
YMCA Knights had survived an extraordinary comeback attempt, showcasing ice-cold composure under immense pressure. Having already ousted the formidable DBO Sports Academy Fatorda and their outstation stars in the semifinals, the Knights proved themselves worthy champions, ending LBC’s reign and reclaiming the crown after a long, determined wait.
