VISITING Australian-Pinoy bested Assumption Montessori School (AMS) of Cagayan de Oro via 86-79 win in the opening round of this year’s SM NBTC National Finals on Monday at Mall of Asia Arena in Metro Manila.

The visiting team and other first round winners will advance to the elite “sweet 16” in division one, where they will next meet the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Eaglets.

Assumption Jaguars and other first day losers will have their own redemption in division 2.

With the result, the AMS Jaguars get the chance to complete a back-to-back finish in division 2 championship.

“Mas maayo nalang nga naa sa division 2 ang Assumption kay kung nidaug pa sad sila sa Australia morag mag-problema sila sa sunod,” said Oro basketball fan Luis Lim, among those who accompanied the AMS team to Manila.

Had the Jaguars won against the Australian Pinoy, they’ll be pitted against the powerhouse Ateneo in division 1.

Assumption will have New Ormoc City National High School as its first round assignment in division 2.

AMS and Ormoc were still playing as of this writing, Tuesday.

Assumption won the division 2 title last year and will try a repeat performance this year.