NBTC: Chiang Kai Shek survives Hope, National U edges Sacred Heart
DRAGON FIRE. The CKSC Blue Dragons basketball team. Photo from CKSC Facebook
MANILA Philippines - Chiang Kai Shek College eked out a 77-71 victory over Tiong Lian rival Hope Christian High School in the Seaoil National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals on Thursday, March 6 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The CKSC Blue Dragons extended their streak to three against its Manila-based foe, drawing plenty of firepower from John Gallego who rifled 25 points.
Big man Muhammad Salim, MVP of the Metro Manila Basketball League added 17 points while backup guard Fran Yu gave the Blue Dragons a big lift with 14 points off the bench.
It was Hope Christian that started strong, with center Jon Apacible hitting all baskets in an 8-0 opener. But CKSC quickly erased that deficit with their stifling defense to hold the lead for most of the match while knocking off repeated rallies from HCHS.
Hope Christian last tied the match at 49-all towards the end of the third but went scoreless for most of the final quarter, yielding a 49-59 hole.
The Dragons held on for the win. HCHS was paced by Isaac Go and Jon Apacible who scored 17 and 16 points respectively.
Reigning UAAP juniors champions National University meanwhile, had to rely on Hubert Cani's big triple off a broken play with just a minute remaining for a 76-72 advantage.
That proved to be the turning point as the Bullpups prevailed over Sacred Heart Ateneo de Cebu, 80-76.
The format calls for teams from each group in both divisions to play a single round elimination. The top two teams advance to the crossover quarterfinals in an A versus B and C versus D affair. The four winners then meet in another crossover fashion in the semifinals to decide the finalists for both divisions.
Both divisions are composed of 12 high school squads.
The finals of the Seaoil NBTC is on March 9 and shall be succeeded by the 3rd NBTC High School All Star Game. - Rappler.com
