Pumas CU overcame complications but defeated the Burros Blancos of the National Polytechnic Institute 23-19

Pumas CU complicated themselves but defeated the Burros Blancos of the National Polytechnic Institute 23-19, securing their ticket to face the Auténticos Tigres of the University of Nuevo León in the Final of the Green Group, a decisive match that has been repeated by these teams since 2009.

The first half was very complicated for Pumas. In their first offensive series, the auriazules made their first mistake when Rafael Arenas threw an interception, which was returned 70 yards by Gustavo Orostico to the end zone; Angel Sanchez's extra point was good and the guindas were already leading 7-0.

Coach Otto Becerril's team was forced to respond. Although Arenas started moving the chains, the Burros defense was able to contain them, so Siliceo Reyes had to come in for the field goal and bring the locals closer at 7-3.

In their next possession, the team from Poli was forced to punt, but the defense blocked the kick and the Pumas had a good field position in search of a touchdown. Arenas took advantage and connected a pass with Oscar de la Concha to turn the scoreboard around (7-10)

After an offensive series that was extended due to penalties committed by the felines, Burros added three points with an effective field goal made by Angel Sanchez.

Although Pumas had the opportunity to take the lead again, the mistakes once again took their toll when Arenas handed the ball to linebacker Daniel Flores. The gift was taken advantage of by Burros and before the end of the first half, Abel García threw a long pass to Luis Martínez, who got rid of a defender and ran to the end zone, although they missed the extra point (16-10).

With Daniel De Juambelz on offense, the blue and gold team tied the game in the middle of the third quarter with a reception by Ricardo Sainz on third and 14, but they missed the two-point conversion (16-16).

The last period became sudden death. The Pumas defense pressured and prevented further damage, as Burros settled for three points despite a good offensive series.

There began UNAM's task of getting back into the game. After an 83-yard run by Víctor Hernández, the offense reached the 6-yard line and, two plays later, Oscar Villagrán scored the touchdown with a short carry that put them ahead (19-23).

Abel García and company were forced to punt in three plays, so Pumas had the opportunity to seal the game with six minutes remaining.

After a personal run by De Juambelz that kept the offensive series alive, Pumas managed to impose their ground attack to consume the clock and keep the Burros Blancos at bay, who wasted two turnovers in the first half and once again missed out on the big game.