STI West Negros University (WNU) were very effective with their defensive plays against Bacolod Tay Tung High School in the fourth quarter to snatch Game 1 of the Best-of-3 finals of the SM-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League on Sunday at the former’s home court.
Down 65-70 at the start of the final quarter, coach Dennis Tumayan’s Junior Mustangs sparked an 8-0 run in less than two minutes to take back control, 73-70.
Aldave Dale Canoy powered his way inside the shaded area with 13 points to lead his team to a 30-17 blast while Philip John Majometaño added eight points, including a pair of triples while Mark Bandojo connected seven points to seal Game 1, 95-87.
Only Thunderbolts’ guard Ryan Cruz delivered the stuff for Tay Tung with 14 markers.
The Junior Mustangs opened the first quarter with a 10-5 lead as John Paul Malayas sank a pair of triples while Canoy dominated the paint as they scored six points each for a 19-17 at the end of the period.
The Dexter Dy-coached Thunderbolts gave away five unforced turnovers despite controlling the boards. Their flaw was negated as Matt Jamao delivered six points as Cruz and Fritz Felix Valencia added four points apiece for their 27-22 run and took the upper-hand at the break, 44-41.
Thunderbolts continued in the third period with a 26-24 run behind Mart James Barrera and Cruz scoring, eight points each while Dave Agbas and Canoy combined for 15 points for the STI WNU side. BTTHS enjoyed a five-point lead going into the final quarter, 70-65.
Canoy spearheaded the Junior Mustangs with 32 points as Bandojo nailed 15 points, Agbas added 14 points while Majometaño contributed 12 points.
Cruz carried the Thunderbolts’ scoring with 28 points as Barrera added 21 while Harold Alarcon was limited to nine points highlighted by pair of triples.
Game 2 will be Tuesday at Tay Tung’s home turf. (HGD)