HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 19th, 2023 – In a historic feat that solidifies their place in basketball history, East Houston United secured their 4th consecutive NBL-US Championship, defeating the Lake Houston Flight 98-95 in a thrilling showdown at San Jacinto College-North.
The championship game unfolded as the closest margin of victory in NBL-US history, showcasing the prowess of both teams. East Houston United, led by Coach Williams, faced a formidable opponent in the resilient Lake Houston Flight, coached by Lenard Taylor. The United jumped to an early lead, maintaining their reputation as the three-time undefeated champions of the league.
However, reminiscent of previous encounters between these two powerhouse teams, the Lake Houston Flight battled back, seizing the lead in the fourth quarter. The game lived up to the hype, with each possession intensifying the struggle for dominance on the court.
In a breathtaking turn of events, key defensive stops by Maurice Redmond III and Corey Alpough set the stage for a historic moment. With just two seconds left on the clock, Brandon Taylor Sr. delivered a game-changing 3-pointer over Flight guard Tre Landry, propelling East Houston United to victory with a final score of 98-95.
Brandon Taylor Sr., reflecting on the unforgettable shot, stated, “I told Coach Williams in the huddle during the timeout that if the ball came to me, I was going to shoot it. He said, ‘shoot it,’ and that’s what I did. I was happy that it went down.” Coach Williams commended Taylor, saying, “We trust B Taylor. Last year he scored 27 points in the championship game to win us our 3rd in a row. He is clutch and a big-time player. Big-time players step up in big-time moments, and this was the biggest moment on the biggest stage. That shot will go down in history as one of the best shots to win a championship.”
East Houston United now stands as the only champion the league has seen, boasting a perfect 42-0 record in the NBL-US. Their dominance cements their place in history as an unparalleled force in the league.
The leading scorer for East Houston United in this historic victory was League MVP Corey Alpough, contributing 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The United roster includes #3 Xavier Howard, #0 Maurice Redmond III, #23 Brandon Taylor Sr., #7 Gavin Faure, #6 Torrence Green, #24 Joshua Anderson, #1 Asante Belton, #11 Ian Eberhardt, #35 Dillon Eden, #21 Joseph Gilliam, #2 Kyron Williams, and #10 Corey Alpough.