A Battle Tested Brotherhood: How One Team Survived the Storm to Reach the Edge of TBT Glory — But What Awaits in the Lexington Final Could Redefine Their Entire Run
La Familia Outlasts War Ready in Thriller to Advance to Lexington Regional Final
Lexington, KY — The Basketball Tournament (TBT) continued to deliver high-stakes drama as La Familia, the top-seeded powerhouse led by Kentucky alumni, narrowly defeated War Ready, a gritty Auburn alumni squad, in a tense, emotional semifinal to punch their ticket to the Lexington Regional Final.
The matchup, played at the historic Memorial Coliseum, saw La Familia’s cohesion, depth, and late-game composure tested like never before. After dismantling Stroh’s Squad in a 50-point blowout, this clash offered a completely different challenge — one that demanded resolve and execution under pressure.
🔥 A Game of Runs, Grit, and Big-Time Moments
From the opening tip, War Ready made it clear this would be no repeat of La Familia’s previous dominance. Led by seasoned veterans and an aggressive defensive scheme, War Ready forced early turnovers and disrupted rhythm. But La Familia, powered by standout performances from Lane Mills and Israel Schill, weathered the storm and found their groove.
In the final minutes, the scoreline tightened. A clutch sequence of back-to-back threes and a key defensive stop gave La Familia the breathing room they needed to seal the victory — and the crowd at Memorial Coliseum erupted as the final Elam Ending bucket dropped.
🧠 The Kentucky Chemistry
The heart of La Familia’s success lies in its core — players bonded by their time at Kentucky, with a system that blends former NCAA tournament talent with pro-level IQ. The familiarity in spacing, defensive rotations, and off-ball movement proved invaluable down the stretch.
Even more vital was the leadership on the floor. Former Wildcats who had once played under the spotlight at Rupp Arena now thrived in front of fans nostalgic for Big Blue excellence.
🏆 What’s Next?
With this win, La Familia now advances to the Lexington Regional Final, one step away from the TBT quarterfinals and $1 million prize contention. While momentum is on their side, the pressure only intensifies. The regional final will feature another hungry opponent — and the chance to solidify their run as one of the most compelling stories in the 2025 TBT.
Fans are already speculating on potential MVP candidates and what this run could mean for Kentucky’s alumni legacy in professional summer hoops.
