NBTC National Finals: Batang Tiaong upsets SHS-Ateneo

Mowell Morales of Batang Tiaong in the NBTC National Finals. NBTC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Super 32 Round of the 2024 NBTC National Finals successfully determined the combatants for the Division 1 and Division 2 championships at the Mall of Asia Complex on Tuesday.

Winners of the NBTC’s second day in the week-long tournament automatically qualified for the Division 1’s Round of 16 while the losers will compete in the Division 2 of the same format.

South Luzon champion Batang Tiaong wowed the crowd with a surprising 61-57 win over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, who has No. 1-ranked NBTC player, Jared Bahay.

Mowell Morales showed up big with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds while Allan Aguila scored 12 in the win.

Jelomar Rota spearheaded the Magis Eagles with 18 points while Bahay was limited to 13 points in the defeat.

Fil-Nation Select USA defeated St. Roberts International College-Iloilo, 72-65, behind the homecoming of former Letran Squire Andy Gemao.

Gemao finished with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists while Terrence Hill helped the cause with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Defending champion National University-Nazareth School began its bid for an NBTC “four-peat” with a dominant 100-61 showing over Fil-Euro Nation Select-UK.

Francis Herrera powered the Bullpups with 14 points while Prince Barraca and Klein Tagotongan scattered 13 for the dub.

PPG Tarlac, which won last year’s Division 2 crown, has a chance to take Division 1 after a 91-79 trouncing of St. Jude-Dasmariñas.

Russell Liwanag and Earl Sapasap wreaked havoc with 23 points each to remind everyone why they were the kings of yesteryear’s Division 2.

Reigning UAAP high school basketball champion Adamson, on the other hand, showed their grit with a 69-54 win over Notre Dame of Midsayap.

John Medina and Justine Garcia orchestrated the Baby Falcons’ offense with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

University of the East, the first NBTC Wildcard champion, showed Don Bosco-Dumaguete its dominance with a 99-44 drubbing.

Nurjadem Datumalim registered 17 points for the Red Warriors, who advanced to the tournament’s winner’s bracket.

San Sebastian, meanwhile, blew out FilCom Italy, 106-52.

Joaquin Roales dropped 16 points in the dominant win while Jhonlee Melano scored 11 to bring the Staglets to the Division 1.

In another rout, Mapua landed in the winner’s bracket with an 85-46 victory over Trinity-Negros Occidental.

Sean Salvador scored 16 points to bring the NCAA runner-ups to the first division.

Mindanao kings Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao, meanwhile, escaped PCU-Dasmariñas, 86-83.

Karlo Estomo’s 19-point output while Andre Lumanag dropped 18 points for the victory.