The fans inside Paycom Center spent the first two-plus quarters waiting for their Oklahoma City Thunder to finally create some separation from the Indiana Pacers.

It didn’t matter that Tyrese Haliburton exited with an Achilles injury in the first quarter. It didn’t matter that Oklahoma City had dominated the first three games in this building. It didn’t even matter that the league’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was living up to the award’s billing.

No, when Myles Turner tied Sunday’s Game 7 at 56-56 with 8:32 remaining in the third quarter, it felt like the 2025 title was up for grabs. But then Gilgeous-Alexander — with a little bit of help from co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren — ensured the Thunder would, in their 17th season in the Sooner State, capture their first championship.

First, it was an SGA 3-pointer at the top of the key. Then, after he drove into the paint, he kicked it out to Holmgren on the wing for another. He then made an incredible move to get to the cup, flinging the ball out to Williams on the wing for yet another triple, pushing Oklahoma City’s lead to nine and forcing Pacers coach Rick Carlisle to call a timeout.

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just had one of the best individual seasons in NBA history, and he’s just entering his prime. He’s surrounded by young, skilled and tough developing talent, including his co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

And now Oklahoma City, a year removed from being the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history, is hardened by enduring the adversity of a championship journey.

Oh, and GM Sam Presti — widely recognized as one of the smartest executives in all of sports — still has the deepest vault of draft capital in the NBA.

    What a deflating way for the Pacers to lose. Not only did they drop Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but they lost Haliburton in the first quarter with an Achilles injury that made him visibly emotional before getting helped off the court. Haliburton had been playing through a calf injury he suffered in Game 5, and he didn’t put any weight on his right leg as he was helped back to the locker room.

The team did not give any more details on his status, but it’s an injury that almost certainly will have implications for the 2025-26 season, a bitter end for one of the league’s breakout stars this postseason on one of the league’s brightest young teams.

The Pacers showed the fight that has been their trademark throughout the playoffs — they led at halftime despite Haliburton’s injury — but without their best player, they could not outlast the Thunder in front of a raucous Oklahoma City crowd.

We had an Interview with Isaac Kiprop, a running Athlete in Campbellsville university, he broke the school record and becomes the fastest 8K runner in program with a 24:23.1

[Q] When and why did you start running?

I started running when I was in High school,I had good mentors who were good runners inspire me to run and I developed habit of running everyday before going to classes.

[Q] Describe your ideal race ?

I like running in track mostly when doing workouts and run in sidewalks at the parks when doing long runs more than 15 miles.

[Q]You’re a very fast runner, it’s so inspiring; what would you consider to be the most important thing to do or think about when speed training, and how best do you avoid injuries or minor niggles when doing so?

Actually I put more effort to run faster like my friend who run faster to more. I did develop some behaviors that makes me to me strong and be competitive ; I sleep 7 to 8 hrs a day to get recovery which is somehow hard for college student because of assignments and other stuff, I do make sure I get hydration,I am not sure how much water I drink but I do drink a lot of water; I do weights atleast twice a week following schedule from my coach. Finally I balance my diet because that the fuel for the body.

[Q] Tell us about your greatest running fail (we’ve all had – or will have – them at some point!)

Two years ago I had an Injury that put me down for about 6 months,I think that greatest fail that made me run very slow first few months of recovery but I am glad that I’m back to good health.

[Q] What is your approach to training? Do you follow a particular training plan?

As I mentioned before I do workouts twice a week to develop speed and long run once a week to have endurance .

[Q] What advice would you give to a new trail runner?

For new runner,the key to be tough and competitive is discipline. If you follow your schedule and do right thing at the right time, it will be easier for you to perform better.

Whether they’ve broken records, shattered glass ceilings or introduced new ways for our city to rally around sports, Campbellsville is home and we are highlighting women who are the next big trend that are likely to dominate in the sports scene #SportsInCampbellsville

Our team had a quick short interview with four of the best women in sports on campus at the moments .

1. CAMRYN RICH

[Q] Kindly give a small details with an intro about you , why you chose volleyball , what motivates you on the pitch ,your role model and your advice to the up and coming volleyball women players ?

Hi! My name is Camryn Rich, I am a 5th-year senior from Louisville,Kentucky! I graduated with a double major in Psychology and Communication and I am now pursuing a masters in Sports Management! I chose to play volleyball when I was a little girl! My mom played in high school so I always wanted to try it out. I starting playing in the 6th grade and I have loved it ever since. The sport has truly made me a strong and confident woman. I have learned so much through the sport and the years I have played. I am constantly motivated by my teammates on the court. I love playing with people who work hard and I feed off of their energy and success. My role model is 100% my mom she is the person I aspire to be. She is truly amazing and shows me what a strong woman is every single day. My advice to incoming volleyball players is to enjoy the ride. The ride will not always be sunshine and rainbows but you will learn so much about yourself through the process and meet amazing people along the way.

2. ITZANN ROJAS

[Q] What can you tell us about yourself? why you chose Football? what motivates you? your role model? and your advice to the up and coming football women players?

Hi, my name is itzaan rojas, I’m currently a sophomore double majoring in Sociology and Spanish and playing flag football. I had always wanted to play football but I couldn’t because I was a girl. In high school I would hang out with the football team and I go to their weightlifting sessions. As soon as I heard about flag football for females I knew it was my chance. Ultimately, when I signed, I had made not only school history, but also state history by being the first female in the state of Kentucky to receive a scholarship to play collegiate flag football.

Ever since that moment, I have pushed myself to become a person that leaves a legacy and inspires and motivates.

My advice to future female flag football players would be to take that chance and be authentically you while you do it. Every female has the potential of greatness on or off the football field. I’m doing this for my little sisters, every young girl, and every older woman that never got to play football. Every time I step on that field , I think about them

3. CLARA ASPRELLA

[Q] we’ve seen your passion towards Tennis, can you briefly describe yourself and why you chose Tennis, what motivates you, your role model and your advice to the up and coming tennis women players?

Hi! My name is Clara Asprella and I’m a currently sophomore at Campbellsville University. I’m majoring in film and I’m part of the women’s tennis team. Tennis is the sport I have been playing for the past 15 years of my life. Even though it is an individual, challenging and hard sport, every time that I’m in a tennis court, I feel safe. Of course there are times that you just want to quit and go home, but that is when you need to fight and overcome those obstacles. Have a strong mind, be positive and have good people by your side is going to help you be a better person and succeed in life.

4. KAYLA KUEBBE

[Q] Standing out in the basketball team makes our team curious about who you are, your passion for the basketball, why you chose it, your role model, what motivates you and your advice to the up and coming basketball women players

Hey everyone! My name is Kayla Luebbe. I am a 5th year senior from Bee, Nebraska. I transferred to Campbellsville at the beginning of last year. I have my bachelor’s degree in accounting and am currently working on my MBA. Basketball has been a passion of mine ever since I was little and I chose to play college basketball to pursue that passion even further. I’ve been playing basketball for many years now and have learned so much, met so many new people, and had so many fun experiences from the sport. What motivates me is my inner drive to be the best version of myself every day and my goal to always be the hardest worker in the room. I want to do everything I can to help my team succeed and have some fun along the way. This drive is increased this year especially since it’s my last year and I want to do everything I can to help my team win a national championship. It’s always been a dream of mine! My role models are my parents. I think of all the ways they have sacrificed for me over the years and done everything they can to make sure I got to play the sport I love. They have pushed me to be a better player, person, and woman. They truly are my biggest fans and I want to be that for my kids someday. My advice to younger basketball players is to challenge yourself constantly. You will find that you can achieve way more than you think you can!

Your sport will throw hard situations and challenging aspects at you constantly, but facing those challenges head-on is how you will learn and grow the most! When you give your all to the game, it will give back to you