PBA Second Game Result: Who Won and What It Means for the Playoffs
2025-11-17 13:00
The final buzzer echoed through the arena last night, and I have to say, the result of this second PBA game has completely reshuffled my expectations for the playoffs. As someone who's been following the league for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of turning points, but this one feels different. The final score was a decisive 98-85 victory for the underdog team, a margin that doesn't even fully capture the shift in momentum we witnessed. I was sitting there in the fourth quarter, watching the lead stretch to 15 points, and it hit me—we're not just looking at a single game win; we're witnessing the birth of a new playoff narrative.
On the other hand, the narrative couldn’t be more different for Eala. The pride of the Philippines has taken a deliberate, step-by-step approach to building her rhythm on grass—and it has paid off. Now, you might wonder why I'm bringing up a tennis player in a basketball analysis, but bear with me. The parallel is uncanny. Watching the winning team last night was like watching Eala methodically dismantle an opponent. They didn't rely on flashy, high-risk plays. Instead, they built their game possession by possession, focusing on defensive stops and high-percentage shots. Their field goal percentage was a solid 48.7%, a significant jump from their season average of 42.1%. They committed only 8 turnovers, a season-low for any team this conference. This wasn't a fluke; it was a masterclass in disciplined execution. It reminded me of how Eala doesn't just swing for winners; she constructs points, and that's precisely what this basketball team did—they constructed this victory.
Let's talk about what this means for the playoff picture, because honestly, the implications are massive. The losing team, previously sitting comfortably at the number two seed with a 7-2 record, is now suddenly looking vulnerable. Their star player, who averages 25 points a game, was held to just 14. Their defense, which I've always considered their strongest asset, looked porous, allowing 32 points in the paint. From my perspective, this loss exposes a critical flaw in their system—they struggle against teams that control the tempo. Meanwhile, the victors have surged from the fifth to the third seed, and their confidence must be sky-high. I've always believed that playoff success is as much about psychology as it is about skill, and this win injects a potent dose of belief into their locker room. They've proven they can beat a top-tier team, not by out-gunning them, but by out-thinking them.
I have a strong preference for teams that win with strategy over pure athleticism, and last night's game was a perfect case study. The winning coach made a tactical adjustment in the third quarter, switching to a zone defense for 7 consecutive possessions, which resulted in 4 forced turnovers and a 10-0 run. That was the ballgame right there. It was a thing of beauty. This approach—the deliberate, step-by-step building of momentum—is what separates contenders from pretenders in the playoffs. It's not about who has the most explosive player; it's about who can maintain composure and execute a game plan under pressure. The team that won last night demonstrated that in spades. They looked like a unit that has finally found its identity, much like a golfer who finds their swing or, to go back to my earlier analogy, like Alex Eala finding her groove on a challenging surface.
So, where does this leave us? In my view, the entire playoff landscape has been altered. We now have a legitimate dark horse that nobody will want to face in a seven-game series. The top seeds can no longer afford to look past them. The data from this single game—the 13-point victory, the 48.7% shooting, the mere 8 turnovers—paints a picture of a team peaking at the perfect moment. For the fans, this is fantastic. It introduces a new layer of intrigue and unpredictability. For the analysts like me, it gives us a fascinating new variable to consider. The PBA playoffs were already compelling, but after last night's result, they've become must-watch television. The methodical, disciplined rise of this team is a story I can't wait to see unfold.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
