In only their second season competing in the Port Moresby Basketball Association, the Equalizers Basketball Club has made a remarkable rise to the top, booking their spot in the Men’s Grand Final this Monday, 11 August, against the seasoned champions, Ultimax. Founded in 2023 by co-founders Agnes Urupua and Tirimahn Masi, the Equalizers were born out of a shared love for basketball and the determination to create their own opportunity after being turned away by other clubs. What started as a team made up entirely of players from the De La Salle community has now grown to include talented recruits from across the Bomana area and the wider North-East electorate. Most of the Equalizers’ players had little to no prior competition experience, but that did not stop them from defying the odds. Their Grand Final opponents, Ultimax, are no strangers to silverware, having won multiple championships before – making Monday’s clash a true David-versus-Goliath showdown. “We didn’t just start this club for ourselves,” said Tirimahn Masi. “Our goal was to showcase the hidden basketball talent in Bomana, a place known more for rugby and soccer, and to give young people a positive outlet – away from drinking and drugs – and something to keep them busy.” In their debut season, the Equalizers self-funded their campaign through grassroots fundraisers such as selling lunch packs and hosting K100 dish kaikai events. This year, the club secured vital sponsorship from ChildFund PNG, which covered registration fees while an anonymous sponsor generously purchased new jerseys for both the men’s and women’s teams. While the men’s side surged into the Grand Final, the women’s team fell just short, finishing 5th and narrowly missing out on the top four. Transport and finances were major challenges in the club’s early days, with the team hiring PMV buses for K150 each week to get to match. A breakthrough came when De La Salle Secondary School agreed to provide transport in exchange for training opportunities for their students – some of whom were impressed enough to earn a place on the Equalizers’ roster. Despite the obstacles, the team’s resilience and tight bond have been key to their success. “Every challenge made us stronger,” Masi said. “The commitment from our players and the support from our community has carried us all the way to the Grand Final.” The Equalizers tip off against Ultimax in the PMBA Men’s Grand Final this Monday at the Taurama Aquatic Centre – a game that promises both grit and heart from a club determined to make history.