InBL Pro U25: Punjab Warriors Shock Chennai Heat with a Thrilling Comeback

The Punjab Warriors staged a remarkable turnaround, securing a hard-fought 76-70 win against the Chennai Heat with a dominant defensive stand in the last quarter of the InBL Pro U25 at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium.

Entering the game at the bottom of the standings, the Warriors were determined to settle the score after their 77-65 defeat in the previous clash. Facing immense pressure, they delivered a statement win, powered by Stokley Chaffee’s commanding double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds) and Lucas Barker’s clutch 16-point effort.

The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with high energy and intensity. Chaffee electrified the crowd with a thunderous two-handed putback dunk, while Uche Dibiamaka spearheaded the Warriors’ offense.

The Chennai Heat found their rhythm, making key defensive stops as Tad Dufelmeier, Majak Malak, and Jack Stanwix propelled them to a five-point advantage. Just as the Heat looked set to control the game, Chaffee silenced the opposition with a ferocious poster dunk over Stanwix, ensuring the Warriors stayed in contention at the break.

The intensity remained high in the second quarter. Arvind Kumar sank consecutive three-pointers, and Keith Kiner converted a three-point play, stretching the Heat’s lead to nine points. However, foul trouble crept in, with Kiner picking up his third foul before halftime.

Sensing an opening, the Warriors attacked the paint through Samuel Taane and Princepal Singh. Lucas Barker then took charge, executing a perfect three-point play and driving to the basket as the Heat struggled to find their offense. With momentum shifting, Thomas Garret and Barker nailed back-to-back threes, giving the Warriors their first lead before halftime.

Chaffee dominated the boards in the third quarter, converting second-chance opportunities to keep the Warriors ahead. Dufelmeier answered back with a deep three-pointer and a contested mid-range jumper, keeping the Heat in the fight.

The lead kept swinging, as Malak drained an open three-pointer for the Heat, while Taane remained a force in the paint for the Warriors. With the game hanging in the balance, Vaisakh Manoj stepped up with a crucial three-pointer, pushing the Heat to a five-point lead heading into the final quarter.

The Warriors turned up their defensive pressure in the last quarter, forcing the Heat into difficult shots and stagnant offensive play. Sandhu, who had been quiet all game, stepped up with back-to-back clutch baskets, giving the Warriors a four-point edge.

The Heat continued to dominate the boards, but their offensive struggles cost them, going scoreless for over half the quarter. Matt Gray finally ended the drought with a tough low-post finish, but the Heat’s foul troubles and missed opportunities proved costly.

Chaffee sealed the comeback in style, throwing down another emphatic two-handed slam in transition, securing the Warriors’ much-needed victory.

With this result, both teams now hold a 3-3 record, showcasing the intense competition in the InBL Pro U25.

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