With Jacob Bayla, Terrence Hill, and Andy Gemao as sharp as they’ve ever been, Fil-Am Nation Select carved out a convincing 106-51 victory against Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas to open the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Bayla wasted no time building on USA’s finals run a year ago, collecting 19 points with two boards and was flanked by Hill, who had 15 points and nine steals, as well as Gemao, with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
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They now turn their attention to St. Roberts International College-Iloilo in the Super 32 of the tournament supported by adidas, Molten, Swish, and Farm Fresh Dairy on Tuesday, still at the same venue.
On the other hand, the Dolphins will meet Mindanao champion Toyomoto Auto Supply, with Vhon Roldan being their lone scorer in double digits with 10.
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Meanwhile, 1 San Rafael-Bulacan capitalized on a strong start to drop a 76-64 upset ax on last year’s semifinalist Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
John Genotiva posted a 15-marker, 11-board double-double to power 1 San Rafael to the 15th seed and a face-off against NCR champion Eco Green Technology-Makati.
RJ Dacalos had his own double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, but the now-26th-seeded Magis Eagles had to overcome limited minutes for top-ranked under-19 player Jared Bahay.
They have to go through South Luzon king Batang Tiaong if they are to advance to Division 1, as the losing teams in the Super 32 will be moved to Division 2.
In other results, John Rodulfa’s 29-point outing lifted FLMP/KMTE Customs Brokerage over Crossover Canada, 83-73, to clinch the 13th seed and a matchup with Arellano.
The Fil-Canadians fell to the 28th seed opposite Visayas champion Khalifa-Cebu even after Jeremy Jao and Christian Pano’s 18 and 15 points, respectively.
The 12th seed went to Triple Threat Basketball New Zealand after they escaped gritty Trinity-Bacolod in a nail-biting 60-56 affair with KC Ioane powering through with 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Trinity only had John Martinez in double digits with 20 as it slipped to the 29th seed to take on Mapua, while the 12th-seeded Fil-Kiwis will clash against UST.
One Media TV48 Naga fended off Fil-Euro Nation Select-UK, 75-73.
Christian Fernandez and James Nuada combined for 38 points to pace the 11th-seeded Bicolanos, who drew Philippine College of Science and Technology-Calasiao in the next round, while Yim Broth’s 26 points went down the drain, as the 30th-seeded Fil-Europeans will now have to put up a fight against three-time defending champion National University-Nazareth School.
Defending Division 2 champion PPG Tarlac also opened its campaign on a high note after downing Filcom Italy, 103-88, behind Russel Liwanag (27), Earl Sapasap (22 points), and Jospeh Pangilinan’s (21).
PPG Tarlac claimed the 10th seed to duel St. Jude College-Dasmariñas, while Lorenzo Dimayuga (23 points) and Vince Boladas (21) showed the way for the Fil-Italians who next battle San Sebastian as the 31st seed.
JC Espinosa had 18 points to pilot Top Flight Sports over Notre Dame of Midsayap, 80-75, to seize the ninth seed for a matchup against Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan de Oro University.
Notre Dame leaned on Jeffrey Malacapag’s efforts, built on 23 points, as they settled for the 32nd seed and a tall task of playing UAAP champion Adamson High School.
UNBL-Don Bosco Dumaguete imposed its will on Homegrown Australia, 95-81.
Matthew Jucom’s 36-point outburst pushed the Greywolves all the way to the 16th seed and a fight against Wildcard champion University of the East.
Conversely, the Fil-Aussies slipped to the 25th seed and will be battling against Yengskivel Sportswear.
