Santos, Dumaguete gain Nokia regional final

MANILA, Philippines - Santos Petroleum of Iloilo and Dumaguete Suy of Bacolod pulled off victories in similar fashions to advance to the regional finals of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League recently.

Santos Petroleum routed Dumaguete Suy, 106-69, for Area Championship and also claimed the second conference title over the same victim, 101-78, at the Po Hang Gym of this tournament under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) headed by Manny V. Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala.

Orly Pelopero, who was named second conference MVP and Most Outstanding Player aside from gaining a slot in the mythical team, had a total of 38 points in the two championship games as he towed his team and Dumaguete Suy to the Visayas finals against Daisy Condensada and BMEG Experts starting March 30 at the USC North Gym.

In the area championship, Pelopero was backed by Don Mendoza’s 18 points and Aron Jeruta 11 while Marcelo Tan, Scott Salvacion and Joseph Villaramon scored nine points apiece for Dumaguete Suy.

For the second conference conquest, Jan Lapore and John Noglares combined for 20 points behind Pelopero while Sean Weehansu topscored with 17 for Dumaguete.

Joining Pelopero in the mythical team were Gerry Abadiano (Santos Petroleum), Cedric Debide (Dumaguete Suy), Scott Salvacion (Dumaguete Suy) and Francis Donahue (Santos Petroleum). Vincent Conlu of Santos Petroleum won the Best Coach award.

IEC Computers bested 888 Chinatown, 106-84, for third place. Cyril Tagle led IECC with 22 points followed by Adam Sobrepeña’s 15pts and Emmanuel Sevilla’s 13.

Mitche Banhao had 17 points while Kurt Yu and Billy Pelagio had 14 and 13, respectively, for 888 Chinatown.

The Nokia NBTC D-League is a program meant to develop fundamentally-sound players in preparation for them to be members of future national teams aside from leagues like the UAAP, NCAA, PBL, PBA and the Liga Pilipinas.