USPF wins NBTC Visayas Regionals trophy

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers edged the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR), 57-56, in the finals to capture the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship crown at the Tacloban City Convention Center last Saturday.

Luke Brent Dy powered the Panthers with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Most Outstanding Player J Lord Pepito contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the title game.

USPF survived a late rally by the Jaguars, as Jyle Andrey Roa cut the deficit to one with 36 seconds remaining. However, a double-dribble violation committed by Jan Vince Oringo with 0.4 seconds left dashed USJR’s comeback hopes. Oringo still finished with 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Before that, USJR’s Krstc Ryll da Silva was ejected with 4:40 left in the game after being called for an unsportsmanlike foul. Mythical Team member Fritz John Gonzales was also tossed out after incurring two technical fouls in the second period.

Aside from Pepito and Gonzales, Aldwin Calumpang Yso of Don Bosco (Dumaguete), Ken Cydey Gallaza of Oasis Ballers Academy (Eastern Samar), and Joebert John Pastias of Negros Occidental were named to the Mythical Team.

Despite the narrow defeat, both finalists will advance to the NBTC National Finals this March, along with wildcard teams Don Bosco and Oasis Ballers Academy.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News