NU becomes first back-to-back NBTC champion

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nazareth School of National University bested La Salle Greenhills, 95-83, for the second straight year in the title duel of the Chooks-to-Go NBTC League National Finals Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bullpups got the usual production from their main core of Carl Tamayo, Terrence Fortea, and Gerry Abadiano to keep its status as the top high school team in the country.

“We’re very happy with everything that we achieved,” said NU head coach Goldwyn Monteverde in Filipino. “Every tournament we really prepare hard.”

Tamayo led a balanced game with 24 points and 18 rebounds and was named Finals MVP

Fortea and Cyril Gonzales fired 23 and 14 points, respectively, while little-known forward Reyland Torres posted his own double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Tamayo, Fortea, and Abadiano anchored a key 15-2 run in the second quarter where the Bullpups took control.

The Greenies tried their hardest to make it close behind Inand Fornilos and Joshua David but they just couldn’t get within single digits in the final frame.

“Both teams have great basketball programs but sometimes in basketball, one team will end up getting the breaks of the game,” said Monteverde.

It was a historic stint for NU, which became the first team to win back-to-back championships in the NBTC tournament’s 12-year-run.

Fornilos paced the Greenies with 20 points and 12 rebounds while David contributed 17 points and six rebounds.

Fortea, Abadiano, David, FEU’s RJ Abarrientos and San Beda’s Rhayyan Amsali comprised the Mythical Five while another Red Cub in Tony Ynot was hailed as Defensive Player of the Year.