MANILA – Gerry Abadiano drained go-ahead free throws as National University Bullpups clinched the NBTC Division 1 National Finals crown with an 80-78 win over De La Salle Greenhills Greenies at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
A native of Iloilo City, Abadiano – formerly with Adamson Baby Falcons – finished with 24 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists to be adjudged as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player of the Finals.
“As expected naman si Gerry talaga sa ilang beses na nakasama ko siya, even in tough games makikita mo na nagde-deliver siya,” said Bullpups mentor Goldwyn Monteverde. “Nakakapag-play siya ng good defense and at the same time, sa offense din.”
After losing a lead as high as 13 points in the second half, Abadiano broke the 77-all deadlock for Bullpups with two free throws after drawing a foul from Greenies’ Macoy Marcos on Friday night.
Greenies was able to pull to within 1 on a split free throw by Joel Cagulangan but Bullpups responded with a split from Rhayyan Amsali to extend Bullpups’ advantage to 80-78 before seeing Greenies’ Inand Fornillos misfire his 3-point try.
Cyril Gonzales and Terrence Fortea finished with 12 and 11 markers, respectively, for Bullpups, which swept its way to the finals with wins over Bacolod Tay Tung High School, Adamson, FilAm Sports USA, and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
“Very challenging talaga iyong liga – 32 teams, nag-end up ka as No. 1, masaya talaga para sa amin,” said Monteverde. “Nakita namin sa tournament na ito na nag-improve iyong laro namin.”
Cagulangan – named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player – had 25 points for Greenies. Fornilos added 18 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks while Marcos had 17 points and nine rebounds./PN
