PBA Update Game 4: Key Plays and What They Mean for the Finals
2025-11-22 15:01
The energy in the arena last night was something you could almost reach out and touch—a tangible, electric current of anticipation for PBA Game 4. As someone who has followed this league for over a decade, I’ve seen pivotal moments unfold, but last night’s clash between the two finalists felt different. It wasn’t just about who scored more; it was a chess match played at full sprint, and certain sequences revealed so much about where this series is headed. I’ve always believed that championship-caliber teams show their identity in high-pressure possessions, and in Game 4, we saw exactly that. One play that stood out early was a perfectly executed pick-and-roll that led to an and-one finish—a moment that shifted momentum and set the tone. But what really struck me was how this echoed their mindset from Game 2, a performance where they played sharper than their counterparts on offense while limiting the Tropang Giga effectively on the other end of the floor. That fresh, focused approach resurfaced here, and it’s why I think we’re looking at a potential series-changer.
Let’s break down that key play in the second quarter, because it wasn’t just about the two points—it was a masterclass in timing and trust. With about 7:32 left on the clock, the point guard drove left, drew two defenders, and dished to a cutting big man who finished through contact. The Tropang Giga’s defense, usually so disciplined, looked a step slow, and I attribute that to the relentless ball movement we’ve seen from this squad all series. They’ve averaged around 24 assists per game in the finals, up from their regular-season mark of 19, and that unselfishness is paying off. Personally, I love how they’re exploiting mismatches; it reminds me of championship teams I covered back in 2018, where ball movement dictated outcomes. But here’s the thing—this play didn’t happen in isolation. It was built on the foundation of their Game 2 performance, where they held the Tropang Giga to just 88 points, a solid 12 below their season average. That ability to clamp down defensively while staying fluid on offense is rare, and it’s why I’m leaning toward this team as the favorite now. Some analysts might point to three-point shooting as the difference-maker, but from where I sit, it’s the defensive rotations and transition execution that are sealing the deal.
Of course, no analysis is complete without looking at the other side of the coin. The Tropang Giga had their moments, like that explosive third-quarter run where they hit three consecutive triples in under 90 seconds. But even then, I noticed a lack of consistency in their half-court sets—something that could haunt them if this goes to a Game 6 or 7. Their star player put up 28 points, which is impressive, but he also committed 5 turnovers, many of them in crunch time. As a fan of disciplined basketball, it’s frustrating to see such talent undermined by sloppy passes. Compare that to their opponents, who’ve trimmed their turnover average to just 11 per game in the finals, down from 15 in the earlier rounds. That attention to detail is what separates contenders from champions, and I’ll admit, it’s won me over. I’ve always valued teams that learn and adapt, and this squad is doing exactly that, building on their Game 2 sharpness to control the pace in Game 4. It’s not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about mentality, and right now, one team clearly has the edge.
Looking ahead to the rest of the finals, I predict we’ll see more of this strategic depth. The key plays from Game 4—whether it’s that pick-and-roll or a critical defensive stop—highlight a broader trend: this series is being won in the margins. For the Tropang Giga to bounce back, they’ll need to address their offensive stagnation, maybe by increasing their bench minutes, which have hovered around just 18 per game. But honestly, I doubt it’ll be enough. The momentum has shifted, and based on what I’ve witnessed, this team’s ability to maintain that fresh, sharp mindset from Game 2 through Game 4 makes them a formidable force. As we head into the next matchup, keep an eye on how they handle late-game situations; if they continue to limit mistakes and capitalize on transitions, I’m calling it now—they’ll hoist the trophy. In the end, basketball is as much about psychology as it is about skill, and right now, one team is playing with a clarity that’s hard to beat.
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.
