Any coach will tell you that a good defense beats a good offense. Well, this was not the case in the finals of the 3×3 Basketball Open Tournament this week. “We Got Offense” narrowly defeated “We Got Defense” with a score of 11-9 in Wednesday’s championship game. Yes, those were the real team names.

Surrounded by competitive senior teammates and senior opponents, “Offense” forward David Stefanoff was given credit for the game-deciding shot from behind the arc that “banked off the glass” and through the cords. In an effort to tie the game, “Defense” guard Kunal Patel launched an unsuccessful desperation shot with two seconds remaining.

“Offense” team members included: Umer Sandhu, captain; Saad Anwar, Baraa Kalani and David Stefanoff. This team went undefeated and advanced to the championship game following a first-round victory over “The Bois,” consisting of Shyam Patel, Zakary Farnell, Jacob Farnell and Charles Schulthies, captain.

“Defense” team members Traci Redwine, captain; Kunal Patel, Kevin Thomas, Aarib Azeem and Edwin Ding entered the championship game after disposing of their first-round competition “Vaulting Past Negativity” members Landon Estes, captain; Jimmy Kim, Hayyan Saleemi and Travis Clark.

In the consolation bracket, which was new this year because only four teams signed-up, “Vaulting Past Negativity” placed third by controlling “The Bois.”

Coach Dan Vossen explained that the tournament was later this year due to conflicts in scheduling and “that probably had something to do with limited participation – that, and the impending Finals week preparation.” He also stated he had expected to field a female bracket, “but, unfortunately, no teams contacted him.”

Coaches Vossen and Kyler Daugherty served as officials, while volunteers Nadia Iranpour, Gabrielle Tognazzini and Lindsey Brasier operated the scoreboard duties.

Second semester will feature the annual Dan Little Residence Hall Floor Basketball Tournament. Coach Vossen encourages all “floormates” to get into the spirit of the contest, even if the participants are not highly-skilled hoopsters. “In the past I have seen some very creative spirit, which completely overshadowed the talent,” said Vossen.