Darell Menina wins the Skills Challenge. Photo by Randolph Leongson
Darell Menina bucked a mix-up in the competitors list and proved he was the best from the crop, outrunning his rivals to win the Skills Challenge in the NCAA All-Star Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“Di ko alam kung ano ang gagawin. Ginawa ko lang yung best ko para sa family ko,” said the Mapua Cardinal.
Inspired by the presence of his Cebu-based family and girlfriend Glaiza Caballas, Menina paced the competition and posted 24.6 seconds in the eliminations.
He also fended off JRU’s MJ Dela Virgen in the semifinals before establishing his lead against Arellano’s Kraniel Villoria in the Finals.
Menina, who had led all the way through, muffed his first two tries from beyond the arc to allow Villoria to catch up, before nailing his third attempt to win the competition.
“Feeling ko matatalo na ako kasi shooter si Villoria eh. Kaya quick release na lang,” he said.
The 19-year-old Talisay, Cebu native beat Flash Sadiwa, Louie Pasamante, Radge Tongco, Matthew Bernabe, Raymond Pascua, Reymar Caduyac, and Ryan Costelo to win the inaugural staging of the event.