Jolo Pascual took over in the second half to power NCR-SGAxLGR to a 67-56 win over NCR-Muntinlupa Cafe Uno, completing an unbeaten championship run in the 2025 Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program Final on Friday at Greenhills West Clubhouse, San Juan.
The 6-foot-1 Pascual delivered a near double-double performance with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals, leading SGAxLGR to its sixth straight win after a perfect 3-0 elimination round campaign and decisive victories over Cavite and Safestep in the knockout rounds.
The title triumph was no surprise, as the squad was composed mostly of players from University of the East, the reigning UAAP Season 87 junior high school boys’ champion.
They displayed their championship pedigree by sweeping the tournament presented by Smart and endorsed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Muntinlupa set up the thrilling finals showdown after a dominant 72-58 semifinals victory over Leyte-Dream Big Leyte, thanks to a commanding performance from Andwele Cabañero and Sam Esomchi.
Andwele, the younger brother of UST standout Nic Cabañero, sparked a third-quarter explosion, scoring nine quick points to overturn a 26-32 halftime deficit and seize control.
Muntinlupa’s defense held Leyte to just three points in the third frame, setting up a comfortable cushion en route to the championship round.
SGAxLGR, on the other hand, fended off a late comeback attempt by NCR-Safestep in the semifinals, clinching a 69-59 win behind Kiefer Panganiban, Neil Garcia, and Mav Mesina’s steady play.
Panganiban’s clutch three-point play and buzzer-beater triple extinguished Safestep’s hopes, securing a finals ticket.
In the title clash, Muntinlupa got off to a strong start, with Andwele dropping 19 points in the first half alone, helping his team take a three-point lead at the break. But when the second half rolled in, it was Pascual’s time to shine.
The 15-year-old sparked SGAxLGR’s third-quarter breakaway, pouring in 12 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that gave his team a 46-41 advantage.
By the end of the frame, SGAxLGR held a 48-43 lead.
Cabañero tried to rally Muntinlupa in the final period, finishing with an impressive 27-point, 10-rebound outing, but Pascual was relentless.
A steal and layup, followed by another dagger triple, extended SGAxLGR’s lead to 59-47, sealing the championship.
Garcia and Gab Delos Reyes provided the finishing touches, each contributing 10 points to ensure SGAxLGR’s undefeated run.
Meanwhile, Leyte-Dream Big Leyte salvaged a podium finish with a commanding 79-59 win over NCR-Safestep in the battle for third place.
Francis Rosales led the charge with 25 points, while Rowie Cabañero added 19, making up for their heartbreaking semifinal loss earlier in the day.
