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Who Won the 2010 PBA Championship? Discover the Champion's Journey and Legacy

I still remember watching that final frame unfold back in 2010, my notebook filled with scribbled plays and statistics as the PBA Championship reached its dramatic conclusion. The energy in the arena was electric, that special kind of tension that only comes when everything hangs in the balance during championship basketball. With just 3 minutes and 50 seconds remaining on the clock, UE was threatening at 60-62, the game poised on a knife's edge where one wrong move could determine the entire outcome. What happened next would become one of those iconic PBA moments that fans would discuss for years to come.

Paranada's three-pointer wasn't just another basket—it was the spark that ignited everything. I recall leaning forward in my seat, watching the arc of that ball as it sailed through the air, feeling that collective intake of breath from the crowd before the roar erupted. That single shot detonated what would become a devastating 7-2 blast, completely shifting the momentum and giving their team a commanding 69-62 advantage with only 16 ticks remaining on the game clock. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of basketball games throughout my career, I can tell you that moments like these aren't just lucky breaks—they're the culmination of practice, nerve, and that special championship mentality that separates good players from legendary ones.

The journey to that championship was anything but straightforward. Throughout the season, we'd watched this team develop and struggle through various challenges, facing opponents who seemed determined to dismantle their strategies at every turn. What impressed me most was their resilience—the way they adapted their gameplay when conventional approaches weren't working. In my professional opinion, their coaching staff deserves tremendous credit for preparing them mentally for high-pressure situations exactly like the one they faced in those final minutes. Too often, we focus solely on the physical aspects of basketball, but the psychological component is equally crucial, especially during championship games where the stakes are highest.

Looking back at the statistics from that game, the numbers tell their own compelling story. The team finished with a field goal percentage of around 47%, which might not seem extraordinary until you consider the defensive pressure they faced throughout. Their three-point shooting hovered at approximately 38%, but it was that critical shot by Paranada that truly made the difference when it mattered most. I've always believed that championships aren't necessarily won by the teams with the best seasonal statistics, but by those who perform when the pressure is at its peak. This game perfectly illustrated that principle.

The legacy of that 2010 PBA Championship victory extends far beyond the trophy itself. In my years covering basketball, I've noticed how certain championship wins create ripple effects that influence team dynamics for seasons to come. For the winning team, that moment became part of their identity—proof that they could overcome adversity and perform under extreme pressure. For younger players watching, it demonstrated what was possible with determination and strategic execution. Personally, I think this particular championship stands out because it wasn't a blowout victory but a hard-fought battle that required both skill and heart to secure.

What many casual observers might not appreciate is how championship moments like these impact player development and team psychology long-term. Having interviewed numerous players throughout my career, I've learned that winning a championship, especially in such dramatic fashion, creates bonds and confidence that carry forward into subsequent seasons. Players learn to trust each other in critical moments, and that trust becomes the foundation for future success. The 2010 champions certainly carried that confidence forward, building on their victory to establish themselves as a dominant force in subsequent seasons.

The strategic elements of that final play sequence still fascinate me when I review the game footage. The way they created space for Paranada's three-pointer, the timing of their offensive sets, the defensive adjustments they made—all of these elements came together in those crucial minutes. From my perspective as someone who's both played and analyzed basketball for decades, what made their approach particularly effective was their ability to maintain offensive aggression while minimizing risky plays. They understood that in championship moments, every possession becomes exponentially more valuable.

As the final seconds ticked away in that 2010 championship game, I remember thinking about how this victory would be remembered. Would it be just another championship in the record books, or would it become something more significant? Over a decade later, I can confidently say it represented a turning point—not just for the winning team, but for how future PBA championships would be approached strategically. The legacy of that game lives on in how teams prepare for high-pressure situations and how coaches design plays for critical moments. Personally, I believe it set a new standard for what championship basketball could look like—combining strategic sophistication with raw, determined execution.

Reflecting on that 2010 PBA Championship now, what strikes me most is how individual moments can define entire careers and team legacies. Paranada's three-pointer wasn't just about the points it added to the scoreboard—it was about the statement it made. It demonstrated that even when facing elimination or defeat, a single play executed with precision and courage could change everything. That lesson extends beyond basketball into life itself, which is perhaps why sports moments like these resonate so deeply with fans across generations. The 2010 champions earned their place in history not just by winning, but by how they won—with a combination of skill, strategy, and that indefinable quality we call heart.

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Heather Bolton Suber ’02
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Leah Schnell ’01
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Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
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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.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.