Fil-Am Nation Select captured the first three titles of the NBTC-Manila Live competitions on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The squad claimed the boys’ 12-and-under and 19-and-under crowns, along with the 16-and-under girls’ title, setting the stage for the final day of competitions on Sunday.
The toughest battle came in the girls’ division, where Fil-Am Nation had to find an extra gear in overtime to secure a 70-58 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.
In the extra period, McKenzie Fields, Ella Smith, and Phobie Fields led the offensive charge while limiting the Junior Lady Archers to just two points, sealing the championship.
Ella Gustafson paced Fil-Am with 20 points, while Smith and Angel Barcas contributed 16 points each.
Alyza Gozon was unstoppable for DLSZ, finishing with 30 points in 44 minutes of action.
Fil-Am dominated pool play, defeating FBA, MIC Australia Scopemed, and AUBA.
They then outlasted the second Fil-Am Nation team, 86-40, in the quarterfinals, before posting a 68-57 win over Pinili Queensland to reach the final.
(C) Manila Live
Meanwhile, the eight-man Fil-Am Hawaii squad captured the 19U crown with a 97-91 victory over the Perpetual Junior Altas.
Two Fil-Am players went ironman in the contest: Shyna Salvado scored 28 points, and Sebastian Peterson added 24, playing without rest.
Shancin Revuelto, who only rested for five seconds, finished with 14 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds, while Keanu Mecham contributed 26 points. Vandolf Urdaneta led the Junior Altas with 21 points.
Fil-Am’s 19U team went 3-2 in the elimination round, including an 88-83 win. They ousted Elite NSW, 95-77, in the quarterfinals, and edged Fil-Am San Francisco in the semifinals, 90-83.
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In the 12-and-under final, the Fil-Am Jets leaned on Ralph Lauren Cruz, DK Manahan, and JR Corcuera to defeat Microsmith Elite, 84-79.
Cruz, named Most Outstanding Player, scored 28 points, while Manahan and Corcuera added 24 and 17 points, respectively.
