National U routs Lucena in NBTC Supreme 16

Nazareth School of National University followed up its 90-point rout to start the 2019 Chooks-to-Go NBTC League National Finals presented by SM by dominating Calayan Educational Foundation-Lucena, 120-56, Wednesday afternoon at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Terrence Fortea waxed hot for the second straight game with 28 points built on seven triples to go along with four assists and three rebounds. Backcourt partner Gerry Abadiano also added 15 markers and four dimes.

National U's Terrence Fortea
National U’s Terrence Fortea

As a team, the Bullpups made good on 58 percent of their field goals, most of which came in transition where they mangled their opponents, 28-2.

They would never trail until the final buzzer, continuing their quest for historic back-to-back titles in the national championship for high school presented Chooks-to-Go, Darlington-Exped Socks, EPSON, Huawei, Freego, Purefoods, Gatorade, Go for Gold, SM, Molten, and presented by 5Plus and Lighthouse Events.

National U has imposed its will on its first two opponents by an average of 77 points. “Right after UAAP, huminto kami for a while. So good for us na going towards next games namin, maganda tinatakbo namin in the first two games,” head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

The UAAP champion moves on to a matchup opposite MMBL runner-up Letran in the Fantastic 8 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, La Salle Green Hills-Mandaluyong made quick work of Camp David-New Zealand, 102-80.

RC Calimag starred with 21 points and was backstopped by Inand Fornilos who posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Greenies who return to the Round of 8 for the third year in a row.

Also into the Fantastic 8 is Top Flight Hoops-Vancouver which continued its stellar maiden campaign in the tournament by booting out NBTC Cebu champion Southwestern University, 83-81.

Jerric Palma top-scored with 22 points off the bench while Kit Miramor chipped in 19 markers and seven rebounds for Vancouver who had to survive the Baby Cobras’ late rally before punching their place to the next round.

Harvey Sanchez showed the way for the Cebuanos with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists while Reimar Cruz paced the Kiwis with 21 markers, five boards, and five dimes.

In the Division 2 Supreme 16 over at the Palm Coast Marina, Lyceum-Cavite sailed past Perpetual JONELTA-Laguna, 80-69, and into the next round.

John Barba and Mac Guadana yet again connived with the former finishing with 23 points and seven rebounds and the latter ending with 17 markers and seven boards.

St. Louis School of Don Bosco-Dumaguete also downed University of Baguio, 75-60, while Proudly Pinoy-Italy edged out Isabela Colleges-Cauayan, 83-80, in overtime.

The week-long tourney is still free of admission, with fans needing just a valid ID to enter SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The tournament semis and finals, alongside the annual All-Star Game, will be aired live on ESPN5. All games, from the seeding round to the championship round, will also be streamed live over at tv5.espn.com.