New NBTC Division 1 champion looms as Fil-Am Nation ousts NUNS
Fil-Am Nation Select-USA’s Terrence Hill in the NBTC National Finals.
MANILA, Philippines— There will be a new NBTC National Finals champions this year.
The Fil-Am Nation Select-USA made sure a new king will be crowned after dethroning the “four-peat” seeking National University-Nazareth School in Division 1, 81-64, at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Terrence Hill led the cavalry with 21 points, six rebounds, five steals and four assists. Sebastian Margate, meanwhile, dropped 19 points in the rematch of last year’s finals.
READ: NBTC National Finals: Batang Tiaong upsets SHS-Ateneo
Waiting on the wings for Fil-Am Nation is One Media Naga, which defeated Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao’s with a 68-59 victory.
Christian Fernandez spearheaded the Bicolanos with 19 points and six boards while Jayvee Lavandero helped the cause with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Yengskivel Sportswear, on the other hand, defeated Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan University-Sealcor, 78-70, to book a ticket to the Fantastic 8 against UAAP champion Adamson.
The Baby Falcons booked their quarterfinals ticket with a 65-57 win over University of the East in a UAAP rematch.
Vince Reyes registered a near double-double 14 points and eight rebounds to will Adamson to a quarters appearance against Yengskivel-CAMANAVA.
READ: NBTC set for return after three-year hiatus
Batang Tiaong, meanwhile, made easy work of PPG Tarlac, 80-64.
John Rex Villanueva paced Batang Tiaong with a red-hot outing of 25 points built on eight made triples with three steals to match.
Up next for them is San Sebastian, which took a scintillating win on Wednesday.
San Sebastian defeated 1San Rafael in a thrilling 71-69 escape, thanks to a layup from Jhun Peñaverde, who finished with 38 big points.
Meanwhile, the last matchup in the Fantastic 8 is UAAP vs. NCAA.
University of Santo Tomas made easy work of Crossover Canada, 85-60, behind another great game from Carl Manding.
Manding finished with 14 points and six rebounds to set up a date against Mapua in the quarters.
The Red Robins eked out a 63-58 victory over FMLP/KMTE Customs Brokerage-Davao.
Vince Mananquil powered Mapua with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds to advance to the annual tournament co-presented by Smart.
