Yengskivel Sportswear asserted its dominance in the first-ever NBTC Regional Championship, securing an 83-66 victory over Philippine College of Science and Technology (PHILCST)-Calasiao on Sunday at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
Tournament Most Outstanding Player Jevy Hinoguin continued to impress by spearheading a 13-3 run that transformed a two-point edge, 33-31, into a commanding 46-34 lead late in the second quarter.
John Michael Amario and Jimwel James Itang joined in the second half, ensuring that the CAMANAVA representatives maintained their lead for the remainder of the game.
This final victory marked the perfect run for Hinoguin and his teammates in the inaugural Regional Championship.
(C) NBTC
The top four teams from each of the regions—North Luzon, Mindanao, Visayas, and South Luzon—will advance to the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls from Mar. 18-24.
In addition to handing the pride of Pangasinan, led by Khean Lester Esperanza, their first and only defeat, Yengskivel’s journey to the throne included triumphs over powerhouse Pampanga Lanterns and promising Cordillera Career Development College.
The North Luzon champion, along with the other three semifinalists, now shifts focus to the Philippine under-19 basketball championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Pampanga secured third place by dominating Bulacan representative 1 San Rafael with a score of 88-68.
Nikko Tipino and Vince Atuel stepped up for the Kapampangans, while top guns Jian Cruz and Kenji Moral played limited minutes.
The Bulakenyos, led by John Michael Genotiva, fought hard but fell short.
The conclusion of the North Luzon Regional Championship emphasized that the region is rich with promising prospects capable of competing with the best talents in the UAAP, NCAA, and abroad.
“Ang ganda ng nangyari rito sa Regional Championship natin kasi tayo mismo, nakita natin up close and personal yung galing and potential ng mga player from North Luzon. Hopefully, this will continue in our next three Regional Championships,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano.
The Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena and Laoag City Sports Complex also demonstrated the province’s capability to host future sporting events, under the leadership of Gov. Matthew Manotoc.
“Gusto ko pong imbitahan ang lahat, hindi lang ang mga players kundi pati na rin ang inyong family and friends, to come visit Ilocos Norte. We have so much to offer and surely, you will enjoy your stay,” said the governor, who has close ties to sports as a former agent and son of PBA champion coach Tommy Manotoc.
