The third game of the series between JHX Hoops and Purple Reign took place at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, drawing a lively crowd eager to see whether the alumni squads could outdo each other after a split in the first two contests.
A Nail‑Biter at Bramlage Coliseum
Purple Reign opened the series with an 80‑61 victory, while JHX Hoops answered back with an 84‑80 win in the second game, setting the stage for a tightly fought third encounter.
From the opening quarter, Purple Reign surged ahead, establishing a 16‑9 lead that stretched to 22‑14 before halftime, where they held a 26‑24 advantage.
JHX Hoops answered with a 15‑10 second‑quarter burst, flipping the momentum and entering the break with a 33‑32 edge, thanks in part to a timely three‑pointer and free throw from Frank Mason III.
The third quarter saw Purple Reign reclaim the lead, finishing the period up 45‑39, but the contest remained fluid as both teams exchanged baskets and the scoreboard continued to sway.
In the fourth quarter, Purple Reign led 53‑49 with 3:25 remaining, only to watch JHX Hoops rally from a 50‑40 deficit, driven by Mason’s clutch shooting and a surge from Zeke Mayo that narrowed the gap.
Michael Beasley paced Purple Reign with 13 points, while Zeke Mayo contributed seven for JHX Hoops, and the game’s climax hinged on the Elam Ending, a target score of 61 that kept the outcome in doubt until the final buzzer.
Fans witnessed a seesaw battle where neither side could pull away, underscoring the competitive spirit of the tournament and leaving observers eager for any future rematch.