The 5^th annual BECOL Basketball Season came to a close on Friday night at the Falcon Field, and it finished off with a blast, as the enormous crowd was treated to 2 nail-biting game 3’s in the Under 18 and Seniors Division respectively.

In game 1, Benque Eagles jumped out to a great start, leading 24 – 8 at half time, behind 8 points from Akeem Watters and 6 points apiece for Marlon Salazar and Mark Tesucum.  However, in the third quarter, the local team, Rising Stars outscored Benque Eagles 14 – 9, while they continued their comeback run, outscoring Benque Eagles again in the 4^th quarter, 15 – 9.  With Rising Stars dominating the second half, they were able to close the lead to 3 points, after trailing by as much as 20 points in the first half.  With 20 seconds remaining, and down by 3 points, Rising Stars had a chance to tie the game, but made a crucial turnover, which sealed the game for Benque Eagles.  It is déjà vu all over again, as the undermanned and underdogs Benque Eagles have been crowned champs for the second time this season, as they had just claimed the BTL U17 Championships in April.  In both championship runs, Benque Eagles defeated the undefeated and favorites for both tournaments, Golden Boys.  The MVP for the Finals was awarded to Neville Lisbey for the U18 Division.