By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — Trinity University of Asia took home the inaugural Quezon City Basketball League Open Division title after edging Nyro Saints, 76-69, in the championship game at the FEU-NRMF Gym in Quezon City on Sunday night.
Daniel De Guzman took over for the White Stallions in the second half as he led their charge in the final 20 minutes, completing a comeback from 10 points down at halftime.
The rookie finished with 29 points, 22 coming in the pivotal second half, and nine rebounds for Trinity, which will see action in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup later this month.
“Magandang chances sa amin itong paglalaro sa QCBL para makapag gel ang mga bata. Ang ganda nga agad ng teamwork nila dito (It’s a good chance for us to play in QCBL for our player to gel as a team. They showed a good team work, indeed),” Coach Alvin Grey said.
Joshua Montero chipped in nine markers, while Christian Goduco added eight for the Stallions.
Dave Tecson and Jherald Manacho connived for 31 points in a losing effort for the Saints.
Meanwhile, SSI Metal trounced Magic Seven, 96-87, to capture the Cadet Division title.
In the other final, Nemesis defeated Regalado Vet, 101-90, to rule the Starter Division.
“We thank all our teams, from the owners to the coaches and players, and our sponsors for making our first QCBL successful,” said BJ Manalo, the executive director of the QCBL.
