NW Campus intramurals continued March 22 with its billiard tournament in the Student Center.

Fourteen participants played eight-ball in a single-elimination format.

Making his way through the tournament with what most would consider amazing luck, NW student Jorge Cifuentes advanced to the championship round in the most improbable fashion.

After being behind throughout his first round matchup, Cifuentes watched his opponent sink the eight ball, only to watch the cue ball follow it into the pocket, resulting in his advancing.

He was then selected as the only participant to receive a second-round bye before advancing to the semifinals.

In the semifinal game, Cifuentes struggled with his shot again and looked to be in danger of elimination.

But once again, his opponent scratched on the eight ball, securing Cifuentes a spot in the championship.

“Really, it was just my entire strategy from the start,” he said jokingly. “I was playing defense the whole time and waiting for them to mess up.”

In the finals, Cifuentes met Jacob Lippert, a frequent visitor/sight in the NW Student Center pool room.

“I’m normally up here for about three hours every Tuesday and Thursday,” Lippert said.

Cifuentes played better in the finals than in either of the previous two games and had two shots at the eight ball to win it. But, eventually, Lippert’s Tuesday and Thursday practice routine paid off as he sunk the eight ball and avoided Cifuentes’ “black magic” by keeping the cue ball out of the pocket.

“I just felt like being nice and giving him all of the easy shots,” Cifuentes said.

Lippert said he was happy he didn’t scratch and was excited to get back to recreational play.

“I’m definitely going to enjoy the bragging rights from now on,” he said.