Team Heart prevails over Team Hustle in NBTC All-Star Game

Team Heart took home the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) All-Star Game win after defeating Team Hustle, 110-108, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kieffer Alas, the first and only four-time NBTC All-Star, was vested with the Most Outstanding Player honors after producing 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Reflecting on his entire NBTC experience, Alas said that the tournament has helped him prepare for bigger challenges in the future.

“Honestly, I feel old. From being the youngest guy ever to being one of the oldest; from calling people kuya to being called kuya na,” Alas jokingly said.

“Playing in NBTC helped me, aside from the basketball stuff, it taught me to be more positive. Kasi I’ve had a lot of setbacks here in NBTC, from losing in the finals to losing in the quarters, I’ll just use it as motivation for UAAP,” acclaimed the Ateneo commit.

After an entertaining first half which featured an up and down game, both squads upped their defensive efforts in the third and fourth cantos.

Trailing after the intermission, Team Heart exemplified their name as they employed a full court press which translated into points on the offensive end. Because of their resolute defense, Team Heart took a slender one point lead heading into the final quarter, 83-82.

With the game close during the final minutes, Team Heart turned to Alas, swishing in a triple off a ball screen from Jhon Cruz. 

Reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player and University of the Philippines commit Sean Franco had one last chance to win the game for Team Hustle, however his three-point attempt just hit the front of the rim and out, ultimately giving Team Heart all the spoils.

Just trailing Alas in the scoring department were John Ladica, Justin Cargo, and Aarom Manansala with 14 from the former and 13 points respectively from the latter two players.

Meanwhile for Team Hustle, Kelly Coronel erupted for 35 points, while Nathan Egea and Team Captain Maco Dabao followed with 10 points each.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News