Smart-Iloilo limited Smart-Bacolod to only four points in the final period to pull off a 74-61 victory on Thursday at the start of the Seaoil NBTC League National High School Division I Finals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Tyke Igor Bano finished with 17 points, John Paul Calvo added 16 markers, and Ronilo Parohinog Jr. chipped in 14 in an auspicious debut for Iloilo in Group C.
The Iloilo representatives from Hua Siong College outscored Bacolod-based West Negros University, 26-4, after entering the fourth trailing 48-57.
Iloilo won despite 33 points from Keith Llowel Pido to win its first game in the event which serves as the official grassroots development program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and is backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Meralco, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Philex, Philippine Star and Molten.
In Division II action at the CCF Gym, NLEX San Fernando, Pampanga of University of Assumption defeated NLEX Olongapo Volunteers of Olongapo City High School, 108-84.