At the SLSU Main Campus Multi-Purpose Court, the U-Games 2024 basketball 3x3 game between Maasin City Campus and Tomas Oppus Campus featured an intense exhibition of athleticism and spirit of competition. From the beginning, Maasin City players John Gil Garrido, Leo Bayker, Michael Dayola, and Joseph Gaviola showed great skill and collaboration. They immediately took a five-point lead owing to their all-out effort, which energized the audience and placed pressure on the Tomas Oppus players to mount a comeback.

Despite Maasin City's early lead, the Tomas Oppus squad fought back with a string of accurate shots and powerful defensive plays, gradually reducing the difference. Tomas Oppus took advantage of crucial opportunities as the minutes ticked down, eventually slipping past Maasin City with a  four-point lead ending the game with an 18  - 14 score. Every play highlighted the high level of preparation and grit from both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game. Although Tomas Oppus won, the crowd praised Maasin City Campus for giving an outstanding performance that made the game enjoyable to watch. 

The game was a worthwhile experience that demonstrated the players' commitment to their art and endless hours of preparation, even if the Maasin City squad did not make it to the next round. The fierce competition offered Gaviola, Dayola, Bayker, and Garrido a chance to advance their chances and hone their skills. The team is still upbeat, seeing the tournament as a reward for their efforts and a springboard to even better results in subsequent contests.

(via Francis Ianne Jacobe | Pulse)