Toyomoto Auto Supply rules NBTC Mindanao Regionals

Toyomoto Auto Supply is heading to the 2024 NBTC National Finals after emerging as the champions of the Mindanao regionals with a narrow 87-85 win against Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan University-Sealco in the regional finals on Sunday at the Sarangani Capitol Gym.

The win allowed the Davao representatives to complete a sweep of the tournament. 

Norman Cagampang sank the game-winning basket after burying a three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left to spare as they dealt streaking Xavier a heartbreaker. Prior to the game, Xavier was riding on a four-game winning surge. 

Meanwhile, another Davao representative in Bullet Customs Brokerage-Prime Bistro salvaged a bronze medal finish due to a higher win-loss record than fourth seed Notre Dame of Midsayap. 

All four squads will head to the National Finals set on March 18 to 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena where they will be pitted against 12 other regional qualifiers, the UAAP and NCAA finalists, and 10 squads from the NBTC's Global Partners in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Completing the field will be two wildcard teams. 

"Just like North Luzon, we saw here in Mindanao na andami pa rin talagang promising na bata all over the Philippines. We're just honored na makapagbigay tayo ng stage for them to showcase their talents all the way to Mall of Asia Arena," said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News