The College of Computing Studies (CCS) Men’s Basketball Team secured its second consecutive championship title after defeating the College of Engineering (COEng), 82-81, in a heart-stopping final match of the Sports Fest 2025 held at the Laguna Sports Complex Multi-purpose Gym on February 12, 2025.
In the semi-final round, CCS dominated the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) with a final score of 94-79. The maroon shooters maintained control in the first half with a tight score of 26-23, 46-43. Despite a brief lead by CBAA in the third quarter, CCS regained momentum in the final stretch to advance to the championship round.
The final match against COEng tested CCS’ resilience. Trailing behind in the first three quarters, the maroon shooters struggled to keep pace as COEng led with quarter scores of 21-12, 43-34, and 66-57. CCS’ Muni delivered impressive plays early on, but COEng’s Condino responded with multiple three-pointers to maintain their lead.
With just one quarter left, CCS launched a fierce comeback. Malazarte and Muni spearheaded the effort to close the gap and eventually tied the game at 75-all. In the final seconds, COEng edged ahead with a one-point lead, 80-81. However, Mendoza’s clutch two-point shot with seconds remaining sealed the victory for CCS, prompting a thunderous celebration from the crowd.
“Masaya [dahil] champion [kami], back-to-back [win]!” said Muni, expressing his joy after the game. He credited God, his family, and the CCS department as his sources of inspiration. Reflecting on their repeat victory against COEng, he added, “Sobrang saya [kasi] syempre dala namin yung pangalan ng department namin and very thankful [kasi] kami yung napili na maglaro ng basketball sa CCS.”
CCS’ win marks a déjà vu moment, having also defeated COEng in last year’s finals. The back-to-back triumph underscores the team’s grit, passion, and dedication, cementing their legacy in Laguna University’s Sports Fest history.
By: Angel Frias/EUN
Photo by: Digital Digest, The LU CCS Publication
