Khalifa-USJ-R wins NBTC Visayas Regional Finals

Khalifa-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) emerged as champion of the 2024 NBTC Visayas Regional Finals after defeating St. Roberts International College (SRIC)-Elite Lab, 62-57, on Sunday at Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

The Cebu bets capped a perfect run in the tournament to lead the four-team delegation of the Visayas region to the NBTC National Finals alongside UNBL-Don Bosco of Dumaguete, Trinity-Davies of Central Negros, and runner-up SRIC.

USJ-R had to buck a lethargic start that saw them trail by double digits before Peter John Petero provided the needed spark in the second quarter, putting them ahead by three, 32-39, at the break.

John Nethan Dela Torre sent them to a 53-44 cushion entering the payoff period, but SRIC pulled to within one in the final five minutes, 52-53. Jan Vince Oring then unleashed a timely triple en route to the victory.

"Our Visayas RC was a rousing success, from the competitive games to the amazing young talent that we all got to watch," said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano.

"All of it wouldn't have been possible if not for the all-out support of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Gov. Bong Lacson and head of provincial sports Tony Agustin, and generous sponsors Wilford Sy and Rowela Alacapa."

Earlier, Yengskivel Sportswear won the North Luzon regionals and Toyomoto Auto Supply reigned supreme in Mindanao.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News