Three-time champions St. Peter’s Senior High School (PERSCO) survived a major scare to book their place in the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) quarterfinals, defeating Osei Kyeretwie SHS (OKESS) on a tiebreaker after both schools ended regulation time with 38 points each.

The contest, which also featured Okuapemman School, was fiercely competitive from start to finish. St. Peter’s, who are the current Eastern Regional Champions, trailed in the early rounds as OKESS dominated the opening stages.

At the end of Round One, OKESS led with 22 points, followed by Okuapemman with 18, and St. Peter’s in third place with 15. The momentum continued in Round Two, where OKESS extended their lead to 24 points, ahead of St. Peter’s (19) and Okuapemman (17).

The Problem of the Day saw Okuapemman score an impressive 7 out of 10, while St. Peter’s managed 6, and OKESS struggled with just 1, allowing PERSCO to claw their way back into contention.

By Round Four, the tables had turned. St. Peter’s led with 35 points, followed closely by Okuapemman (34) and OKESS (32). But a spirited final-round fight from OKESS pushed the contest to a rare tiebreaker, with both schools locked at 38 points.

OKESS had the first attempt at the tiebreaker question but faltered, allowing St. Peter’s to seize the opportunity, and they made no mistake, securing victory in dramatic fashion. Okuapemman finished just behind with 37 points, underscoring how tight the contest was.

The win means St. Peter’s have now beaten Okuapemman for the third consecutive time, following earlier victories in both the Eastern Regional Championship semi-finals (also decided on a tiebreaker) and the regional finals.

With this result, St. Peter’s advances to the quarter-final stage of the competition as they continue their quest for a fourth national title, adding to their previous triumphs in 2000, 2005, and 2018.