Team Khalifa defends NBTC Visayas Regional title

Team Khalifa once again ruled the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship after a dominant 75-54 win against University of San Jose-Recoletos last Sunday at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School in Negros Occidental.

The defending champs had a strong start with a 25-6 first quarter before gaining a 32-point lead and eventually clinching the victory.

Lloyd Amadeo Gutang had 10 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two assists, while Jerome Arboiz also chipped in 10 points and four rebounds. Jay Ver Palco had 10 points and two boards, while Mythical Team member Johncel Borjal had nine points and six boards.

Mythical Team member Kyle Matthew Barrieta led USJ-R with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists in the losing effort.

El Tzino/Davies' John Loyd Martinez was named as the region's Most Outstanding Player with his 18-point, 8-rebound, 6-steal, and 5-assist performance in their 69-57 victory against Bleachers Roadstar.

Team Khalifa and USJ-R will head to the NBTC National Finals later this month at the Mall of Asia Arena, along with wildcard entry University of Southern Philippines Foundation.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News