The inaugural edition of the InBL Pro U25 league culminated in an exhilarating final as Gujarat Stallions clinched the title at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The highly anticipated final match betwen Gujarat Stallions and Punjab Warriors of the InBL Pro U25 League was a showcase of young talents, thrilling moments, and intense basketball action. These were all set against a vibrant backdrop of an energetic crowd that made for an unforgettable atmosphere.
From the opening tip-off, the intensity of the game was palpable. The Punjab Warriors, led by Lucas Barker and Uche Dibiamaka, took an early five-point lead. Despite a shaky start, the Gujarat Stallions were quick to regroup. They dominated the boards with Jock Perry’s commanding presence in the paint, and Trendon Hankerson’s clutch three-pointers kept them in contention. The first quarter ended with the Warriors up by three points, but the Stallions’ resilience was beginning to show.
The Warriors extended their lead in the second quarter with Stokley Chaffee’s thunderous two-handed dunk, pushing them to a 10-point advantage. However, the Stallions were not deterred. Mandeep Singh, coming off the bench, made a significant impact, along with Hankerson, who found his rhythm from beyond the arc. A series of free throws by Perry and key shots from Duach brought the Stallions to within two points at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
As the third quarter unfolded, both teams ramped up their defensive efforts. The Warriors focused on neutralizing Nate Roberts in the paint, but the Stallions’ backcourt duo of Hankerson and Singh began to shine. A series of three-pointers and a strong finish from Duach gave Gujarat a 10-point cushion heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Warriors fought back valiantly, with Gurbaz Sandhu and Chaffee making key plays. They cut the Stallions’ lead down as they drew fouls and attacked the rim with urgency. However, Gujarat’s depth and poise under pressure proved too much. Hankerson’s return to the floor ignited the Stallions’ offense, and clutch three-pointers from Singh and Duach stretched the lead to 14 points with just three minutes left on the clock. Despite late pressure from the Warriors, the Stallions managed the game expertly, running down the clock and sealing their historic 77-69 victory.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric throughout the evening. The energy from the fans was contagious, with the crowd roaring after every highlight play. The fans were treated to a special performance from the star Punjabi rapper Jazzy B, who took the stage for a post-match celebration, adding to the festive vibe that permeated the stadium.
In the post-game ceremony, Gujarat Stallions were crowned champions of the inaugural InBL Pro U25, while the Punjab Warriors were honored as the runners-up. BFI President Aadhav Arjuna and InBL Pro U25 Founder/Chairman Rupinder Brar presented the awards to the teams, marking the conclusion of a historic tournament.
Despite the loss, the Punjab Warriors won the fans’ hearts with their grit and determination. Players like Lucas Barker, Gurbaz Sandhu, Taane Samuel, Uche Dibiamaka, and Stokley Chaffee stood out, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and brilliance throughout the game.
This final was not just about the action on the court; it was a celebration of youth basketball and the energy that comes with it. The first-ever edition of the InBL Pro U25 will go down as a landmark moment in Indian basketball history, and with a thrilling final like this one, it is clear that the league is destined for great things in the future.
