The Columbus School High School Boys basketball team lost the finals against Colegio Nueva Granada 30-24 during the Binationals Games in Manizales last Saturday, November 20.

TCS men’s basketball team has been practicing for 5 months for the Binationals games. They wanted to win the championship because they have already lost the finals 3 years in a row. After failing to accomplish their feat TCS basketball players were heart broken.

“It was a tough game, we knew what we had to do and we didn’t do it. We couldn’t handle the pressure and there’s no going back.” Mateo Gomez, Team Captain, said.

It was a close game until the final few minutes when CNG was able to pull away during the last few minutes in the last quarter with a quick three point field goal and 2 free throws. TCS could not respond to the three pointer and the free throws and TCS lost by a margin of 6 points.

“It was a close game until the last minute, they had their eyes on the cup and were cold blooded. We were always close but when the game pulled away in their favor, we choked,” Federico Moreno, center, said.

The final score didn’t reflect how close the game was as the whole coliseum was electrified with chants for both teams. This was the first final in several years to have such a dramatic finish. TCS Seniors were heartbroken by the loss.

“It’s hard knowing that this is our last year and we weren’t able to pull out this victory. It has been 4 years and we haven’t had a single win in the finals. Its even harder knowing that were going to graduate without a championship.” forward Marco D’angelo said.

During the tournament, TCS dominated their opponents by 20 points or more including a game against Colegio Bolivar, which they won 83-10.

“Games like this made us feel invincible. We were scoring all over them, there was no stopping us. The bench and the starters were scoring like there was no tomorrow,” guard Matias Velez said.

From the beginning of the tournament, the goal of the team, who were one of the tournament favorites, was to win the Cup. Coaches from other schools acknowledged that TCS was one of the title contenders.

“That team looks untouchable, they have one player who is known around the country, he has made a name for himself and I’ve seen him play. If TCS knows how to use him properly they win this games easily,” Mabel Martinez, Bolivar coach and Seleccion Colombia point guard, said.

In the semi-finals, TCS beat Colegio Cojowa 40-26. All the Columbus School athletes who traveled to Manizales attended and after the final buzzer rang the freshman on the team were in shock.

“Our first year here and were already in the finals. It’s amazing how it’s our first year and they (the Seniors) have so much confidence in us,” guard/forward Felipe Santa Maria, said.