Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net
Once again, La Salle-Lipa ruled the Division 2 of the National Basketball Training Center.
The Chevrons bagged their second title in three years after knocking off Letran-Bataan in the 2018 Exped SM-NBTC National Finals Division 2 championship game, 49-44, Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Matthew Virtucio proved to be the hero for the Batangueños, dropping 15 points, none bigger than his back-to-back three-pointers in the final five minutes which allowed La Salle-Lipa to overturn a one-point deficit to a 44-40 lead.
“They boys really gave it their all. In the end, because of experience, we were able to deliver,” said coach J. Rex Atienza.
Squire Isaiah De Leon answered with a three to pull his side within one, but Dale Lupac was there for the retort as he strung four straight markers to erect the 48-43 lead with 52.2 seconds left and seal the deal.
Lupac contributed 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Division 2 Most Outstanding Player Ian Abila corralled nine markers, 18 boards, and three steals.
“At the end of the day, it’s just God-given. Our motivation is that we have 10 players graduating and it’s our last time to get it done,” said Atienza.
Kevin Raymundo, the son of PBA great Kerby, paced Letran-Bataan with 13 points, while De Leon had 11 markers, six rebounds, and two assists.
The Scores:
LA SALLE-LIPA 49 — Virtucio 15, Lupac 10, Abila 9, Javier 7, Platon 5, Dimayuga 2, Larosa 1, Aranda 0, Virrey 0, Cutanda 0, Natio 0, Baldovino 0
LETRAN-BATAAN 44 — Raymundo 13, De Leon 11, Tolentino 7, Llamzon 6, Santos 4, Garcia 3, Handugan 0, Navarro 0.
Quarters: 13-14, 18-25, 31-33, 49-44.