Animo!

At 17.8 seconds, to go, La Salle with a one point lead, Chris Tiu shoots another 3, Ateneo erupts in cheers. With La Salle in possession, enough time for another shot. We tense up, watching as Casio tries a jumper, no go, gasps and groans from La Salle all around, Maierhoffer has the ball, the buzzer sounds and the shot goes in.

OVERTIME!!! We jump and cheer like crazy people, Araneta was in chaos.

But our hopes were quickly dashed. They say we did not beat the buzzer.

A review of the tape, Ateneo cheering, La Salle booing. Not another loss!

Tape proves we did lose. Ateneo celebrates, we protest for another couple of seconds more, then their Alma Mater is sung.

Gracious in defeat, we applaud our conquerors.

Then, it was our turn...

Hail, Hail
Alma Mater,
Hail to De La Salle!
We'll hold your banner high and bright,
A shield of green and white,
We'll fight to keep your glory bright,
And never shall we fail,
Hail to thee our Alma Mater!
Hail! Hail! Hail!

Now, defeated twice, we can only look forward to our next meeting. But first, we have to deal with undefeated University of the East. Voice hoarse, legs aching, arms tired, we went home, still dazed at the turn of events. The cheers of "Beat Ateneo, Animo La Salle" seemed so far away...

Congratulations Ateneo. It was a great game. See you in the playoffs. :)

ANIMO LA SALLE!