The University of Baguio Red Robins and Berkeley School – Baguio pulled off contrasting victories to start their campaign on a high note in the ongoing NBTC North Luzon Regional Championship.
Host UB Red Robins unleashed a 12-0 run midway in the opening canto after trailing 0 – 3 early, then never looked back as it stifled the visiting Glory Dei Montessori, 102- 70.
Enan Jedi Lata scored 22 points while adding three rebounds and two assists to lead the Red Robins while John Lei Abellera added 15 as Raxl Apilado and Roven Bete chipped in nine and eight points apiece.
Despite the huge win, Red Robins assistant coach Rexielyn Oro said the team needs to be consistent all throughout as the tournament goes deeper where they will face tougher opponents.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, first impressions last, kaya kung ano ipapakita niyo sa first game niyo, yun din maalala nung mga magiging makakalaro niyo. Since maganda naman pinakita nila sa first game, hopefully yun din ipakita nila sa iba,” said Oro.
Mark Vincet Gratol led the visiting GLory Dei Montessori College with 18 while Arivalagan Perumal had 15 as Roy Joseph Cristoba chipped in 11 markers.
Berkeley meanwhile leaned on the late heroics of Wade Chrysler Mondina who scored the game tying basket to force an overtime and eventually secure their first win of the tournament against Batang Natividad of Nueva Ecija, 82 – 81.
Mondina finished the game with 25 points on six assists and five rebounds.
Adam Floyd Darden meanwhile sealed the win the overtime after shooting his two free throws that game the Baguio squad a win after starting strong that saw them lead 10 – 2 early in the first quarter.
Batang Natividad then slowly caught Berkeley in trailing 24 – 22 at the end of the first quarter.
By halftime, the Nueva Ecija based dribblers turned the tide and lead by six, 34 – 40.
In other games, Jarence Andrei Macapagal had 29 points with eight rebounds and five assists to lead PPG Tarlac in nipping PhilCST Topnotch Calasiao, 78 – 54.
Nueva Ecija D’ Generals stopped Lakay Buffalos of Pangsinan, 88 – 77, behind Johnlord Cruz’ 19 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
Marlins Bulacan stopped the CCDC Admirals of Benguet, 90 – 87, with Tristan Kyle Leal earning the best player honors with his 21 markers, five assists, and four steals.
Nikko Tipino led Luid Kapampangan Kicks it Up with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists against San Juan Elyu X Batang Paower, 93 – 68.
NBTC program director Eric Altamirano said the 24 teams participating in the tournament will compete for the four slots in the national finals while adding the level of competition has been elevated since it started.
“Malaki ang pinagbago because we allowed club teams aside from school-based teams to compete. Natutuwa naman ako dahil lumalakas na ang mga teams dito sa North Luzon and other regions and that is good news for Philippine basketball,” said Altamirano. Roderick Osis