Fil-Am Nation Select-USA not only avenged their previous loss to National University-Nazareth School with an 81-64 victory inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday but also ensured that there would be new champions crowned at the end of the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls.
Terrence Hill found no match and finished with 21 points, six rebounds, five steals, and four assists, while Sebastian Margate delivered his strongest performance yet with 19 points in the rematch of last year’s finals.
This time, in the Supreme 16, or the Round of 16, the Fil-Ams found their groove in the middle periods, dominating the Bullpups 49-32.
Fil-Am now advances to the quarterfinals, also known as the Fantastic 8, on Thursday at the same venue to take on North Luzon champion Yengskivel Sportswear, which defeated Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan University-Sealcor, 78-70.
Batang Tiaong cruised to the next round of the tournament, also supported by Adidas, Molten, Swish, and Farm Fresh Dairy, with John Rex Villanueva scoring 25 points, including eight triples, to defeat PPG Tarlac, 80-64.
Meanwhile, UAAP champion Adamson High School triumphed in a hard-fought battle with University of the East, 65-57, thanks to Vince Reyes’ 14 points and eight boards.
Also advancing to the Fantastic 8 is fellow UAAP playoff team University of Santo Tomas, with Carl Manding impressing with 14 points and six rebounds in their 85-60 victory over Crossover Canada.
For their part, NCAA semifinalists Mapua High School and San Sebastian College-Recoletos took different paths but ended up in the same place: the quarterfinals.
The Staglets rode Jhun Peñaverde’s 38-point explosion, including the game-winning layup, to escape 1 San Rafael, 71-69, while the Red Robins leaned on Vince Mananquil’s 14-point, 11-rebound double-double to overwhelm FMLP/KMTE Customs Brokerage-Davao, 63-58.
Additionally, One Media TV48 Naga fended off Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao’s late-game heroics for a 68-59 victory.
Christian Fernandez led the Bicolanos with 19 points and six boards, while Jayvee Lavandero supported with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
For the first time since 2017, there will be a new champion in Division 1, which was previously dominated by NUNS for three consecutive National Finals, including the pandemic years.
