Having just witnessed one of the most thrilling playoff battles in recent MPBL memory, I can confidently say that Game 4 of the championship series delivered exactly what basketball purists crave—high stakes, momentum swings, and defining plays that ultimately sealed the Giant Lanterns’ historic back-to-back championship run. Let me walk you through the critical sequences and standout performances that turned this game into an instant classic. From my perspective as someone who’s followed the Lanterns all season, their ability to maintain composure under pressure, especially after those commanding wins in Dubai, was nothing short of masterful.

The game started with an electric atmosphere at the Lanterns’ home court, where fans were buzzing with anticipation. Having swept the Huskers in Games One and Two—88-81 and 79-60, respectively—the Lanterns entered with clear psychological and tactical advantages. But the Huskers weren’t going down without a fight. Early in the first quarter, they came out swinging, exploiting defensive lapses to build a quick 8-point lead. I’ve got to admit, I was a bit nervous watching that unfold. The Lanterns’ offense initially seemed disjointed, missing easy shots and struggling to contain the Huskers’ fast breaks. However, around the 6-minute mark, everything shifted. A steal by veteran point guard Marco Santos led to a transition three-pointer that ignited the crowd and cut the deficit to just 3 points. That play, in my opinion, was the turning point—it reminded everyone why the Lanterns are so dangerous in transition.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the Lanterns’ depth began to shine. Their bench contributed 28 points overall, with rookie sensation Liam Cruz dropping 12 points in just 8 minutes. I’ve been impressed with Cruz all season, but his fearless drives to the basket in this game were something else. One particular sequence stood out: with 3:42 left in the half, Cruz executed a behind-the-back dribble to evade two defenders and finished with a reverse layup while drawing a foul. That play extended the Lanterns’ lead to 9 points and forced the Huskers into a timeout. Statistically, the Lanterns shot 54% from the field in the first half, compared to the Huskers’ 42%, which highlights their offensive efficiency. But it wasn’t just about scoring—their defensive rotations, especially in limiting the Huskers’ top scorer to just 14 points through three quarters, demonstrated a level of discipline that’s rare in high-pressure games.

The third quarter brought more drama. The Huskers mounted a 12-2 run, capitalizing on turnovers and briefly taking a 4-point lead. I’ll be honest—I thought the momentum had swung irreversibly in their favor. But then came what I believe was the game’s most pivotal moment: a block by Lanterns’ center Javier Reyes with 1:15 left in the quarter. Reyes, who finished with 4 blocks and 11 rebounds, stuffed a dunk attempt that would’ve put the Huskers up by 6. Instead, the Lanterns raced downcourt and hit a corner three to reclaim the lead. That sequence drained the energy from the Huskers and shifted the momentum back to the home team. From my experience covering playoff basketball, it’s often these defensive stands that decide championships, not just flashy offensive plays.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Lanterns led by a slim 2 points, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Both teams traded baskets, but the Lanterns’ experience shone through in the clutch. With under 2 minutes remaining, Santos delivered a no-look pass to forward Diego Morales for an and-one layup that put the Lanterns up by 7. Morales, who ended the game with 24 points and 9 rebounds, was simply unstoppable down the stretch. I’ve always admired his ability to perform in high-leverage situations, and this game solidified his status as a playoff legend. On the other side, the Huskers’ decision to rely heavily on isolation plays in the final minutes backfired, resulting in contested misses and costly turnovers. Frankly, I think their coach should’ve called more pick-and-roll actions to create easier opportunities.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Lanterns had secured an 85-78 victory, completing the series sweep and etching their names in MPBL history as the first back-to-back champions. Reflecting on the game, I’d argue that their defensive adjustments in the second half and the clutch performances from role players made the difference. While the Huskers fought valiantly, the Lanterns’ championship DNA—forged through those dominant wins in Dubai—proved too much to overcome. As a longtime follower of this league, I’m excited to see how this team builds on its legacy, but for now, let’s just appreciate the brilliance of a Game 4 that had it all: drama, skill, and moments that will be replayed for years to come.