D’Barkadz claimed their maiden silverware in the You-C1000 Basketball Cup 2023 tournament after defeating serial winners Easyway 105-102 in an enthralling final affair at the Brunei Basketball Association Court in Batu Bersurat on Saturday.
The newly-crowned champions were behind in the first half as pre-tournament favourites Easyway came into the interval holding the lead.
D’Barkadz head coach Robert Rubillar told the Bulletin, “Going to the final was already an achievement for us and winning it is a bonus since we are labelled as the underdogs.”
The head coach continued, “We played one game at a time. The roster is very new and this is the first time that we had to play together.
“So, I have to find a way to blend it well. In the end, the team got it especially the defence part – which was our main focus.”
It was third time the charm for the head coach having previously led TK Teahouse to two final appearances in the competition but never on the winning side.
The game was evenly contested in the final few moments of the third quarter as D’Barkadz began to push and closed the scoring gap to just two points.
However, Easyway extended their lead to five points through an excellent three-pointer shot as the fourth quarter approached with the score-board reading 87-82.
After surviving an attacking threat by the dangerous D’Barkadz, Easyway found momentum to go four points clear.
But, D’Barkadz continued to add pressure and took over the lead by a single point with less than five minutes remaining. Easyway had been in too many finals before but this could be their sternest test to date as both teams looked to build up a good run of points to kill the match for good.
Easyway surrendered possession and were punished by an instant attack as D’Barkadz levelled the tie once again.
The following attack saw Easyway just missing a basket and seconds later they were a relieved group as D’Barkadz could not find the telling touch. But, D’Barkadz found a way to take the lead with about a minute remaining. That lead remained as Easyway did not make the best use of their attack before D’Barkadz established a four-point cushion within seconds.
Suddenly, the game was slipping away from Easyway’s reach but found a little bit of hope when they made a shot only to disappoint with the free throw.
D’Barkadz ultimately killed the game as they benefited with a free throw when captain Jomarie Carpuz’s successful free throw conversions put them within sight of the title.
With time running out, Easyway still found hope after they launched a successful attack and trailed by three points. Easyway could not find another shot and when the whistle was blown to signal a free throw with a second on the clock remaining, the title went to D’Barkadz’s hands.
Meanwhile, Propel claimed third place after edging SGTB 58-54 in an earlier tip-off.
Yokohama emerged winners of the women’s open category while GHK finished runners-up and Le Doux came third. – Fadhil Yunus
