Pampanga Team Delta captures Chooks-NBTC Division 2 crown
ITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Pampanga Team
(St. Augustine Institute) pulled off a 91-90 win over Lyceum-Cavite in the Chooks to Go-NBTC National Finals Division II at the Mall of Asia Arena recently.
Lyceum was ahead Brianne 90-88 with 3.3 seconds An gel es. remaining. The Angeles replaced team's stunning win Jacob Delfino, who over Lyceum leaned had 16 points, 2 assists, on the heroics of seldom-used and 2 steals in the game but fouled out of the contest.
He stunned a winning shot as he drew a foul, knocked down the first free throw, missed the second and out-rebounded everyone and nailed the go-ahead basket which clinched the game, 91-90.
The Best Defensive Player and Most Valuable Player of Division II were also from the team, Jolo Manansala and Jian Quiambao, respectively.
Quiambao, who also fouled out from the game with 1:53 left, finished with 27 points, highlighted by four 3-pointers, and 11 rebounds. He also led the Division II Mythical Team while Manansala, had 8 markers and 20 boar ds.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ferreras and Han Nicdao added 15 points apiece and a combined 10 rebounds.
The Kapampangan players defeated Zamboanga Del Sur NHS-Pagaduan, First City Providential College-Bulacan and Proudly Pinoy-Italy before reaching the finals stage.
Moreover, Trinidad, the head coach, who stayed calm under pressure during the whole game, said that "My players showed that teams from provinces can also win here. We are not from Manila but we also deserve to win."
"Actually, even though the opponents were ahead, we were saying, don't give up until the final buzzer," the head coach added.
Other players from the team are Brix Passion, Renz Sison, Arthur Roque, Joshua Miclat, Joshua Lumba, Joshua Federson, Charles Lustina, Hanz Lapuz and Kyle Regala.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda with Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, congratulated the players, as well as coaches Trinidad, Pedic Dimatulac and Totoy Marquez.
Vice-Governor Pineda also vowed to them that he will continue to strengthen the sports development in the province.
In this way, according to the younger Pineda, instead of doing vices, the youth's time and attention are diverted to sports.--- Leah Isidro De Fiesta/ Pampanga PIO