Black Knights and White Knights clinched the championship trophies in the first-ever Tarlac State University Solidarity Cup held at the TSU Gymnasium last February 18 and 22, 2023.
The Black Knights sealed the championship this season in the 40-above category last February 18 as they recorded two straight victories over the Blue Area Dragons in the best of three games.
The Blue Area Dragons gave the Black Knights a tight match during the second game that went into a tie after two quarters as they rode the momentum of their eagerness to claim the trophy.
However, the still unbeaten Black Knights heated the game in the third period with more precise shots leading to a score of 68-59 in the final quarter. The unstoppable Black Knights seized the chance to score as the other team's defensive strategies fell short.
This game's best player is Mr. Kenjie Lim of the TSU Hotel after making multiple successful baskets when the Black Knights grayed the Blue Area Dragons in the two-round matchup.
On the other hand, the Red Pandakaps and White Knights square off to climb the standings and claim the 39-below title for the Solidarity Cup.
After the White Knights secured the first game in the best of three last February 11, the Red Pandakaps regained composure as they slowly climbed up the standings in the second game on February 18, forcing another match to determine the champs.
The White Knights and Red Pandakaps set the TSU Gymnasium on fire on February 22 as the two teams on a roll have their eyes set on the 39-below trophy.
During the third game's first half, the Red Pandakaps seemed invincible as they scored points in quick succession, running ahead of the White Knights.
Yet the White Knights are keen on winning the championship as they bounce unstoppable and intensify the game with a series of 3-pointers, turning it around at the 53-48 mark into the final quarter.
The White Knights crushed the Red Pandakaps with an 80-65 final score making the most out of the remaining time to score points and grasp the moment while the game favors them. With their string of baskets and great defensive strategy, the White Knights successfully won the championship.
Mr. Sherwin De Vera from the College of Teacher Education, the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP), said that "togetherness, confidence, and the team's trust drove them to the championship title.
"Pagtitiwala sa isa't isa, walang sisihan, basta kung ma-shoot ang bola at hindi depensa-opensa, importante manalo kami sa game," De Vera said in interview with the Office of Public Affairs.
Said championships were streamed live via the Office of Public Affairs Facebook page.
