Fil-Am Nation clips Adamson to win Division 1 crown
Fil-Am Nation celebrates after winning the NBTC Division 1 title.–NBTC PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Fil-Am Nation wanted to make history and they did just that on Sunday.
For the first time in the NBTC National Finals, Select-USA won the Division 1 title after dispatching Adamson, 79-71, at Mall of Asia Arena, much to the delight of coach Chris Gavina.
“This is my first time handling high school kids. I’m used to all the egos at the pro level but as long as you can be transparent to these young kids, they all absorb it, they’re all sponges,” said Gavina.
“A lot of these kids have already played for high level programs in the United States and so they’ve been in big situations before so it was all about finding a five that would be synergetic.”
Coach Chris Gavina of Fil-Am Nation Select-USA after winning the #NBTC2024 Division 1 championship. @INQUIRERSports https://t.co/FzReyZRB59 pic.twitter.com/JnYr4FxAPM
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 24, 2024
READ: Andy Gemao, Jacob Bayla look to deliver Fil-Am’s first NBTC title
Fil-Am Nation led by just two, 70-68, in the five-minute mark of the fourth quarter before going on a 7-1 spurt capped off by a Terrence Hill inside shot, 77-69, with 1:47 to go in the game.
Hill, who finished with 12 points, five assists and four rebounds, then sank two free throws that sealed the deal for the Filipino-Americans.
The sweet-shooting swingman was also named the Ato Badolato Most Outstanding Player of this year’s National Finals.
READ: Fil-Am Nation, Adamson clash for NBTC Division 1 title
“T, the whole tournament, to me, was our anchor. He was the most mature and composed when we needed him to be,” lauded Gavina.
Andy Gemao capped off his homecoming with a title victory, collecting 16 points, six rebounds four assists and two steals. Caelum Harris also made his presence felt with 13 points and four blocks.
Adamson turned to Justine Garcia, who finished with 20 points and eight assists, but to no avail. John Reyes’ 12-point performance was also put to waste for the Baby Falcons, who defeated Mapua in the semifinal on Friday.
