The most anticipated intramural league game commenced last Wednesday as the men’s basketball intramural league championship game pitted number-one seed Barmelo Xanthony against the second-seeded Team Swish. 

Barmelo Xanthony’s perfect regular season gave them a first-round bye in the playoffs. From there, Barmelo Xanthony cruised to the finals, beating Corey and the Kids 82-40 in the semi-final game. 

Team Swish had a slightly more tumultuous path, edging out the seventh-seeded AC-Yoyoyo by a slim margin of three points. Team Swish regained their composure in the semifinals, finishing off the third-seeded Premature Shooters in a 98-64 demolition. 

With Team Swish donning navy blue jerseys and Barmelo Xanothy sporting neon green, the game began. Aaron Liberman ’16 of Barmelo Xanthony squared off at mid-court against Kevin Trotman ’16 of Team Swish in preparation for the tipoff. Liberman’s range and wingspan helped him win the tip-off for Barmelo Xanothy and secure the first possession for the team. 

Team Swish was undeterred, going on an 8-2 tear, which consisted of a block, a steal and two 3-pointers. Those 3-pointers set the tone for the rest of the contest and acted as a dagger into the heart of Barmelo Xanthony’s defense. 

Defensively, the first half featured a lapse in execution by Barmelo Xanothy. Ryne Williams ’16 and Trotman were open on multiple occasions to combine for an incredible seven 3-pointers. In the first half alone, both teams combined for 42 points on 14 3-pointers. 

However, Barmelo Xanthony was able to assert some defensive presence with a ferocious block by Liberman at the 10-minute mark to contest an open layup. Liberman followed that up with a smooth jumper from the elbow, but the offense simply could not keep up with the pace. 

Barmelo Xanothy picked it up with five minutes to go in the half, converting on a smooth inside dish for a layup. Barmelo Xanthony attempted to emulate Team Swish’s three-point highlight reel, knocking down two 3-pointers within the last minutes of the half. 

Yet the team still trailed at the half, 33-28. 

The second half started much the way the first half did, with Team Swish whipping out to an 11-0 run, which included an uncharacterstic one 3-pointer. 

Halfway through the second half, Team Swish broke into a 20-point lead in fitting fashion, cashing in on a corner three by Trotman. 

All hope was lost for Barmelo Xanthony, despite a promising 6-0 run with eight minutes remaining in the game.  

Team Swish quickly erased the deficit with a pair of free throws and an uncontested layup. Team Swish closed out the game with the ball in their hands and a 58-43 mark blazing on the scoreboard. 

Ultimately, the three ball brought Barmelo Xanthony to its knees. Team Swish’s offense stayed consistent with its season average of 74 points per contest.

Although Barmelo Xanthony clawed back at times, it was not able to withstand the prolific Team Swish offense. 

With the championship win, Team Swish concluded their sterling season to bring home the coveted trophy.