Chiang Kai Shek rules NBTC-Seaoil tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Chiang Kai Shek rallied to pull the rug from under reigning UAAP champion National U, 88-80, to capture the Seaoil-National Basketball Training Center Division One crown at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

JV Gallego, a 15-year-old incoming senior, torched the Bullpups with a game-high 32 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter that anchored the Blue Dragons’ stirring fightback after trailing majority of the way.

“We didn’t give up, that helped us,” said Gallego, a recruit by Chiang Kai Shek consultant Horacio Lim from Meycauayan, Bulacan whose father, Jon, played for the Mapua Cardinals in the mid 90s.

It was Chiang Kai Shek’s fourth championship this year after topping the MMBL, the Milo Passerelle and the FCAAF as the Blue Dragons underscored their domination of high school basketball.

“We just play hard and try to win every game,” said Chiang Kai Shek coach Goldwyn Monteverde.

Earlier, Assumption School of San Fernando, Pampanga turned back San Benildo of Antipolo City, 79-69, to clinch the Division Two title.

Mark Bondoc emerged the Finals Most Outstanding Player after finishing with monster numbers of 20 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks.

But the day belonged to Gallego, who outgunned practically everyone, including former national youth standout and UAAP Finals MVP Hubert Cani, as he took over for the Blue Dragons in the last period.

After struggling in the earlier part of the match, Cani hit key baskets in the last period but he too fizzled out down the stretch, missing crucial foul shots and triples that hastened their downfall.

John Cauilan and Mark Dyke led NU with 23 and 16 points, respectively.

In the much-awaited NBTC All-Stars, Thirdy Ravena came through with the worthiest performance as his Dark Team beat the Light Team, 123-94.

The scores:

Chiang Kai Shek 88 – Gallego 32, Salim 21, Gagate 10, Gallemit 9, Ascano 5, Pilanga 5, Tibayan 4, Yu 2, Lopez 0, Ligad 0, Ballesteros 0, Bait 0, Dy 0, Gisalan 0, Tonbio 0.

NU 80 – Cauilan 23, Dyke 16, Cani 10, Co 10, Mosqueda 7, Lopena 6, Lapiz 6, Gozum 0, Castillo 0, Grealy 0, Bautista 0, Danganon 0, David 0, Clavena 0.

Quarterscores: 23-21, 42-47, 65-68, 88-80