South Luzon champion Batang Tiaong sent a statement in the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls by besting CESAFI king Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 61-57, Tuesday inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Mowell Morales made his presence felt with a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Allan Aguila contributed 12 markers of his own for the pride of Quezon who made it all the way to the quarterfinals of last year’s Philippine national under-19 basketball championship.
With the big-time win, Batang Tiaong made sure to stay on the path towards taking care of unfinished business in the tournament also supported by adidas, Molten, Swish, and Farm Fresh Dairy. At the same time, they sent ex-league winner SHS-Ateneo and the NBTC’s no. 1 player Jared Bahay to Division 2.
Joining Quezon in Division 1 – or the winners’ bracket – is Fil-Nation Select USA which was powered by Andy Gemao and Terrence Hill past a lackluster start and, ultimately, St. Roberts International College-Iloilo, 72-65.
The former Letran Squire recorded 20 markers on top of four boards and assists each, while Hill backed him up with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
National University-Nazareth School also started its title retention bid on a high note with a 100-61 drubbing of Fil-Euro Nation Select-UK, thanks to Francis Herrera’s 14 points as well as Prince Barraca and Klein Tagotongan who cashed in 13 markers apiece.
Last year’s Division 2 champions PPG Tarlac will also get a golden opportunity at the Division 1 title, as Russel Liwanag and Earl Sapasap teamed up to churn out 23 points apiece in their 91-79 triumph over St. Jude-Dasmariñas.
Impressive as well was UAAP champion Adamson High School which stamped its class on Notre Dame of Midsayap, 69-54, with John Medina and Justine Garcia pouring on 16 and 14 points, respectively.
For its part, University of the East sent Don Bosco-Dumaguete crashing back to earth with a 99-44 beating. Nurjadem Datumalim uncorked 17 points for the Red Warriors who continue to impress in their NBTC debut.
NCAA playoff teams San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Mapua High School both scored convincing victories to secure their spots in Division 1 as well.
Joaquin Roales (16 points), Jhonlee Melano (11), and Basty Jacob (10) teamed up to power the Staglets in a 54-point rout of FilCom Italy, 106-52, while the Red Robins were carried by Sean Salvador’s 16 points to a dominant 85-46 decision against Trinity-Negros Occidental.
Mindanao champion Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao figured in a thrilling 86-83 escape against PCU-Dasmariñas, as they leaned on Karlo Estomo’s 19 and Andre Lumanag’s 18 points, respectively.
Fellow Davao team FMLP/KMTE Customs Brokerage then scored a come-from-behind win against Arellano High School, 72-68, with John Rodulfa showing the way with 28 markers.
Rounding out the Division 1 qualifiers are North Luzon champion Yengskivel Sportswear which outlasted Homegrown Australia, 80-77; University of Santo Tomas which routed Triple Threat New Zealand, 83-68; 1 San Rafael-Bulacan which dominated Eco Green Technology-Makati, 92-67; One Media TV48-Naga which blasted Philippine College of Science and Technology-Calasiao, 76-57; and Crossover Canada which toppled Visayas champion Khalifa-Cebu, 62-55.
Conversely, all the losing teams will be battling it out for the Division 2 championship.
