You see, we got ourselves a real series!

SPORTS is a funny thing. Sometimes, suprises happen and the little guys who have a snowball’s chance in hell winning, actually win.

Take the case of the University of Cebu Webmasters, whom no one would have backed in the Cesafi high school finals against the juggernaut that is defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.

The last time UC took on the Eagles, they got home with their tails between their legs after a 32-point spanking, 7947, and prior to that the Eagles took them to school, 76-62.

But after 20 minutes in the high school finals, one that had Ateneo written all over it that I--and every other fan thought it was merely a formality--the Webmasters were ahead, 33-27.

It was just five points but the psycholigcal shock of trailing a team it defeated by more than a mile must have taken its toll on the Eagles.

That five-point lead became 10 points after full time and more importantly, the Webmasters now have a onegame lead in their short three-game series and anyone who says he knew UC would take the lead after the first game is either Nostradamus reincarnated or an outright liar.

UC taking a one-game lead against Ateneo? A team that won its previous 11 matches going to the final? It’s preposterous!

It’s also amazing and for those who love underdog stories, Game 2 is something you shouldn’t miss.

Numbers may define a team, but sometimes a team just decides to shred those numbers and refuse to be boxed by them.

A 31-point loss in the semis? Naah, it’s the finals, baby, and we’re on equal footing and I think the team that remembered and let that 31-point drubbing be an influence in Game 1 found themselves in trouble.

Of course, Ateneo fans are hoping their team would bounce back come Thursday and send the series to a decider, and UC fans—and those who root for the underdogs—are hoping the Webmasters complete the Greatest Upset in Cesafi History with a repeat in Game 2.

Rico Navarro, the athletic director of SHS-Ateneo is a good friend, but I know he’d understand if I root for the little guy in the finals.

It was supposed to be a cakewalk, a formality for Ateneo’s extended reign, but dang, we got ourselves a real series!