ILOILO City – University of San Agustin completed the semifinals casts of the Chooks-to-Go SM National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Tournament-Iloilo leg after overcoming Sun Yat Sen High School, 87-67, in the closing day of the quarterfinals on Jan. 15 at Western Institute of Technology STS Gym.
Agapito Clarito led San Agustin with 19 points, while teammate Jan Michael Vicencio added 15 markers. Arvin Tabares carried Sun Yat Sen with 21 points.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix also won its virtual knockout game against CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights, 107-86. Cedrick Manzano tallied 22 points for the Red Phoenix.
Last year’s champions, Santa Clarita International School Primes entered the semifinals undefeated after an 84-64 performance against Ateneo de Iloilo. Once again, Giann Nahine led the Prime’s banner with 25 points.
St. Robert’s International Academy needed no game to enter the semis after Mandurriao National High School withdrew from the contest.
Officials of the NBTC-Iloilo leg clarified on Jan.15 that Mandurriao opted to withdraw from competing in the final day of the quarterfinals after they lost half of the players due to a suspension from their ‘basketbraw’ against CenterPhil last Tuesday.
The semifinals round will begin at 8 a.m. today with a rivalry match between the Primes and the Red Phoenix, followed by the Panda Rockets and University of San Agustin. The championship match will follow at 4 p.m.
The crowned champion of the Iloilo leg will advance to the NBTC Regionals along with the champions of Capiz and Guimaras. A slot in the NBTC Finals in Manila is at stake./PN
