Another UAAP power stands in the way of Fil-Am Nation Select-USA’s climb to the mountaintop in the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls.
The Fil-Americans will have to go through UAAP champion Adamson High School for a historic Philippine national under-19 basketball championship after the two teams separately clinched close wins, Friday inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Fil-Am Nation Select staved off league darling Batang Tiaong, 81-72, to gain its second straight finals appearance.
Terrence Hill continued to be a stable force with 18 markers, seven boards, and four assists while getting ample help from Andy Gemao who churned out 15 points and five rebounds and Jacob Bayla who contributed 12 of his own.
For their part, the Baby Falcons flew higher and ultimately escaped Mapua High School’s claws, 70-65, to get a chance at following up the breakthrough UAAP title they won just a month ago.
John Ray Abayon flexed his 19 points on top of eight rebounds, while Justine Garcia and Vince Reyes backstopped him with 14 points apiece. Adamson and the Fil-Ams will do battle on Sunday still at the same venue for the throne recently vacated by three-time champion National University-Nazareth School.
Last year, the Bullpups bested Fil-Am Nation Select in the final, while this is Adamson’s first time in the Division 1 championship round.
In Division 2, Joey Panghulan played hero for Top Flight Sports Canada as he hit a halfcourt heave to shoot his side over gritty Arellano High School, 87-84.
Justin Thompson, the brother of Gilas Pilipinas and Ginebra guard Scottie, top-scored for Canada with 18 markers laced with six steals and five boards, while JC Espinosa also added 16 points. Panghulan wound up with 14 points for the Fil-Canadians who, like the Fil-Americans, will try to become the first international champions in the tournament also supported by adidas, Molten, Swish, and Farm Fresh Dairy.
Top Flight is set to duel against Eco Green Technology-Makati which pulled away from a tight affair against Philippine Christian University- Dasmariñas, 95-82, behind Russel Bayani’s 27-point outing.
Before the Divisions 1 and 2 Finals, the NBTC shines the spotlight on the best of the best young Filipino talent on All-Star Saturday.
The adidas-NBTC All-Star Game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be preceded by the Manila Live Girls All-Star Game, the adidas Three-Point Shootout, the adidas Shooting Stars competition, the adidas Skills Challenge, and the Manila Showcase.
