With strong performances on both ends of the court, TAMU MAAYA opened its postseason run with a 66–53 win over Carnival Dream in the first round of the men’s recreational basketball playoffs on Thursday, Nov. 13, securing its spot in the next round.
Coming off a 2–1 regular season, the team wasted no time finding its rhythm. With multiple semesters of intramural competition experience and several players returning from earlier versions of the roster, MAAYA has a core group that has played together for three years.
MAAYA started the game with back-to-back 3-pointers, quickly grabbing control of the first quarter while opening in a zone defense. The team’s early confidence set the tone for the rest of the night. Patil added an early drive to the basket to extend the lead, putting TAMU MAAYA ahead 9–4 with four minutes left in the first quarter. After a 3-pointer from Carnival Dream, MAAYA held a 9–7 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
“Make sure you close out on their shooters, and we’ll be fine,” industrial engineering senior captain Aditya Patil said.
Both defenses continued to force contested shots to begin the second quarter. Patil opened the second-quarter scoring by drawing a foul and sinking two free throws from the line. With three minutes left in the half, MAAYA led 13–11 before going on a 9–0 run to close the quarter. Chemistry sophomore Nathan Dunlap II led the push with five points as MAAYA entered halftime ahead 22–11.
“They can’t guard us when we drive to the basket,” Dunlap said. “Make sure we’re cutting and find the open lane.”
MAAYA carried that momentum into the third quarter, stretching the lead to 27–14 and maintaining control throughout the period. MAAYA remained firmly in the driver’s seat entering the fourth, where the offense continued to roll. With six minutes left, MAAYA held a 57–33 advantage.
Carnival Dream narrowed the gap late, but MAAYA’s early scoring surges proved too much to overcome as the team secured a 66–53 victory. With the win, MAAYA improved to 3–1 on the season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs on Nov. 19.
